Firefighters are battling a large scrub fire in Tokaanu, near Turangi.
Four appliances from Turangi and Taupo and the Rural Fire Authority helicopter have been battling the blaze since 2pm.
Turangi Fire Service station officer Rich Lange said the fire was in a swamp and 100m by 300m.
The fire was on Prince of Wales Dr, which is the access road to Waihi Village and was threatening to spread to a restaurant and houses on either side.
"In that area it was a concern because we had a swirling wind ... Two of those fronts it was advancing on had dwellings in those directions so it was very important to quell it before it got out of control."
