A scrub fire next to train tracks in Omokoroa sparked a multiple appliance response when firefighters became concerned the fire was threatening nearby homes.

The fire, near the train tracks running between Lynley Park Drive and Goldstone Road, broke out shortly before 3pm.

Firefighters in thick scrub near the train tracks parallel to Goldstone Road in Omokoroa.

Omokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade was first on the scene and immediately called for further assistance from Tauranga Fire Station when the fire looked like it might threaten some homes near the tracks.

They managed to get the fire under control in a short time.

A witness at the scene says she saw about five school-aged children playing next to the tracks just before the fire started.

A reporter at the scene says smoke could be seen mixed in the dense scrub which surrounded the track.