Bush fire closes part of SH1 in Wellington

The blaze broke out on Takapu Rd in Grenada North at about 4pm. Photo / Huhana Taihoa Ryder, Facebook

Part of State Highway 1 in Wellington is closed because of a bush fire.

The blaze broke out on Takapu Rd in Grenada North at about 4pm.

NZTA has closed the southbound Tawa off-ramp and has advised motorists to avoid the area, or delay travel.

Just after 6pm fire crews were continuing to control the bush fire and the Southbound on-ramp to Tawa off State Highway One was still closed.

A fire spokesperson said crews were still there in full presence but some were being pulled to replenish.

He said it was the second fire in the same area this afternoon.

Fire crews were called to the area at midday, to fight a blaze that they were able to subdue. The spokesperson said it was too early to tell if the fires were linked.

People working in nearby businesses helped raise the alarm.

David Laurenson said he had called emergency services just before 4pm.

He said he could still see flames and a lot of smoke.

Police had been called to the scene to assist with traffic management.

A fire spokesperson said earlier that there were around eight appliances plus the rural fire service at the scene. A helicopter had also been requested.

He said then that they were getting on top of the blaze.