South Wairarapa fire under control

File photo / Hawkes Bay Today

A scrub fire that forced residents to evacuate their homes on the South Wairarapa coast yesterday was brought under control overnight.

Fire crews were initially called to the blaze close to Cape Palliser about 9am yesterday, and managed to confine the blaze in the early afternoon.

However, rising northerly winds caused the fire to freshen and nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.

More than 30 firefighters from as far as Wainuiomata and Upper Hutt were called in, and the flames were brought under control last night.

Several rural fire crews remained at the site today dampening down hot spots.

- NZPA