Houses evacuated in West Auckland as crews battle scrub fire

Fire crews have found it difficult to access a fire on a steep bank at Cornwallis in West Auckland. There is only one road in and out of Cornwallis. Photo / Google Maps

Several houses have been evacuated in West Auckland tonight as a scrub fire proves difficult to control.

Firefighters were first called at around 7.15pm to the fire, which is on a steep bank near the monument at Cornwallis, near Huia.

They have now been battling the blaze for over two hours. In that time it has spread to around 50m by 60m, a Fire and Emergency spokesman said.

"It's on a steep bank so it's difficult to get access. It was getting near some houses but we're protecting them - we're evacuating them as a precaution at this stage."

Four fire crews are at the scene from Titirangi, Huia and Laingholm. The spokesman said fire crews would most likely be at the fire all night.

Police are also at the scene after being called at 7.33pm, a spokesman said. Officers are on the ground helping fire crews by doorknocking and keeping residents aware of the situation.

A Coastguard vessel has also approached the fire from the water to help assess the situation. A spokesman said he wasn't sure yet whether the vessel would be required to help with evacuations.