Large scrub fire in Gisborne under control

Photo / File / Wayne Drought

A large scrub fire which took hold in a Gisborne park last night is under control, the Fire Service says.

The blaze, in Titirangi Park, came within 20 metres of houses, forcing their evacuation.

Firefighters have returned to the site this morning to extinguish the last of the flames, after only a handful of staff remained overnight to ensure it posed no threat.

The fire was "more or less under control" this morning, central fire communications shift manager Mike Wanoa said.

No homes had been in danger and there had been no injuries reported, he said.

The fire started near Kaiti Beach at 6.45pm, and nine fire engines and four helicopters were brought in to help fight the blaze.

Last night residents in Oxford St, Norwood Rd and Turanga St were forced to leave their homes. Others were told to stay indoors to avoid the large amounts of smoke coming from the blaze.

Turanga St resident Ruby Aitken said the fire came within 20 metres of her house before winds changed and pushed the fire in the opposite direction. The cause of the fire was unknown.