Update 5.16pm: The vegetation fire at the top of Waikite Rd in Welcome Bay is under control, said Bay of Plenty Fire and Emergency Services in a Facebook post.

"Helicopters are working at the site, so please do not fly drones in the area as this will force our aerial operations to be suspended.

"People are advised to avoid the area to allow our firefighters to complete their work."

Update 3.28pm: A helicopter has been using a bambi bucket to help fight the fire.

Firefighters are now using the long hose to fight the fire from the top of the hill while the helicopter is dropping water towards the middle and bottom

An estimated 50m-metre by 30m-metre fire has been reported in Welcome Bay south of Eagle View Rise near Waikite Drive, according to a resident.

The hazmat truck has arrived and is parked on Waikite Rd at the Ballintoy intersection. Photo: supplied.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded at 1.40pm with Greerton, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and Te Puke stations assisting.

A 50m by 30m scrub Fire in Welcome Bay. Photo / Supplied.

“Four fire trucks and a command unit are in attendance,” according to a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said.

The fire is in steep terrain, and crews are working to extinguish it.

At the scene?

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