Crews battle large Welcome Bay scrub fire

A vegetation fire about 1 hectare in size at the top of Waikite Rd in Welcome Bay has been brought under control, Bay of Plenty Fire and Emergency said in a Facebook post.

A helicopter was earlier using a bucket to help fight the scrub fire on a steep hill.

“Helicopters are working at the site, so please do not fly drones in the area as this will force our aerial operations to be suspended,” the post said.

“People are advised to avoid the area to allow our firefighters to complete their work.”

Fire and Emergency responded at 1.40pm with Greerton, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and Te Puke stations assisting.

“Four fire trucks and a command unit are in attendance,” a Fire and Emergency spokesperson earlier said.

The fire is in steep terrain, the spokesperson said.

A reporter on Ballintoy Park Drive about 5pm said firefighters were using a long hose to fight the fire from the top of the hill while the helicopter was dropping water towards the middle and bottom.

A helicopter with bambi bucket heading toward the fire on Waikite Road.

- SunLive