Flames keep firefighters on the run

Firefighters from Napier and Hastings work to extinguish a grass fire between Tamatea Drive and SH2B, Napier, on Saturday.

Firefighters had to "chase" a blaze that spread half a kilometre in high winds.

Napier and Hastings stations were called to the fire in a paddock between Tamatea Drive and SH2B about 4.30pm on Saturday.

Two tankers and three appliances fought the flames, which continued to spread over shrubs, grass, through a fence and threatened to jump a stream.

Thick plumes of smoke billowed across SH2B during the fire, fanned by high winds.

Fortunately firefighters were able to stop the spread before it crossed over and dampened down hot spots to prevent re-ignition.

"It was time consuming, it's very dry and covered a big area. Because of the wind we had to chase it," Napier senior station officer Glenn Drew said.

"The concern was the wind was driving it quite fast. We were able to contain the fire but small bushes and fence posts smoulder for a long time."

There was no threat of damage to buildings in the area, but the Fire Service did receive calls from businesses in the industrial area concerned by thick smoke.

The cause of the fire was still unclear, but there was nothing to suggest it was suspicious at this stage.

"There's nothing to indicate that; we don't know exactly what's caused it but there were no suspicious vehicles in the area at the time," Mr Drew said.

It came as a timely reminder to be aware of cigarette butts and ignition sources around grassy areas, which were particularly dry at this time of year.

Police temporarily cordoned off SH2B between Prebensen Drive and Taradale Rd because of poor visibility due to clouds of smoke wafting across the road.

Blackened grass spread about 500m by 500m across a paddock.