Fog surrounding Mauao on Thursday night was the reason behind a false alarm for Mount Maunganui fire crews.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson Megan Ruru says the call out came in at about 9pm.

'Atmospheric conditions caused a member of the public to think there was a fire.

'One unit from Mount Maunganui Fire Station attended this.”

A witness says the crew were seen at the base of Mauao in Pilot Bay and then along Adams Avenue to the corner at Marine Parade.

'The crew left the scene around 10pm.”