Police and firefighters are investigating a fire that is believed to have been deliberately lit behind a Mount Maunganui property.

Firefighters responded to the fire in scrub off Ocean Beach Road, near the beach, earlier this evening.

A police spokesperson says they were notified about the fire after 5.35pm.

"A scrub fire had been lite behind a property on the beach.

"Initial information suggested a group of people had lit it and run away.

"Police have attended but from what I can tell, no one was located."

People with information about the fire are asked to report it to Tauranga Police Staton on 07 577 4300.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.