Helicopter joins fire fight in Rotorua

A helicopter is joining in the efforts to put out a major fire near Sulphur Point in Rotorua.

About six fire trucks are at the scene and a helicopter with a monsoon bucket is about to take off.

Police are advising people to stay away from walking tracks around Sulphur Point where the fire has broken out.

Image 1 of 13: Scrub fire in Rotorua. Photo/Ben Fraser

Senior Sergeant Malcolm Collins said the fumes had the potential to be poisonous and they were asking people to stay away from the tracks.

He said the fumes were "okay at the moment" and the wind was blowing them away from the road.

Several cars had stopped along Te Ngae Rd to watch the blaze but traffic was flowing at the moment.

About eight police were at the scene.

A Rotorua Daily Post reporter at the scene said "heavy smoke" and flames could be seen from Te Ngae Rd.

The fire is near the Sulphur Point walkway, between Puarenga Park and the Sudima Hotel.

One lane of Te Ngae Rd is partially closed for traffic heading east.