SunLive - Firefighters battling large blaze in Tauranga

UPDATED 3.01PM: Flames of up to 2m high are being reported from a large scrube fire in Tauranga this afternoon

Around 40 firefighters are battle a large blaze in the reserve in Windermere.

A resident in Lagoon Place says he saw the fire in the reserve.

"It's quite big, wih flames up to 2m high."

A helicopter has arrived with a monsoon bucket to help fight the blaze,

Police have closed off Windermere Drive as firefighter continue to battle the blaze.

The MetService is forecasting southwest winds with gusts of 35km/h at times.

A Tauranga woman says Windmere Drive is cordoned off, and she is being told by official that neighboring houses will be evacuated.

A reporter at the scene says large clouds of thick smoke are billowing into the air.

"Large pieces of ash is also falling.

"Police are closing the road and are asking people to stay away.

"Firefighters are using water from hydrants on Windermere Road and are running long hoses to the reserve. Some people have also gathered in the street to see what is going on."

Three fire appliances and two police cars are at the scene.

Photo taken from back yard in Camellia Place, Greerton. Photos: Jo Coleman.

UPDATED 2.27PM: Multiple firefighers are battling a large scrub fire in Tauranga this afternoon.

A fire has broken out in the reserve behind houses on Windermere Drive.

A reporter at the scene says large clouds of thick smoke are billowing into the air.

"Large pieces of ash is also falling.

"Police are closing the road and are asking people to stay away.

"Firefighters are using water from hydrants on Windermere Road and are running long hoses to the reserve. Some people have also gathered in the street to see what is going on."

Three fire appliances and two police cars are at the scene.

A reporter at the scene says firefighters are access different parts of the fire through residents properties.