Residents in Trentham in Upper Hutt are being asked to conserve water so a nearby reservoir can refill after its water was used to douse a large vegetation fire.
Photo: Supplied/ The Way Studios
Fire and Emergency said Wellington Water allowed firefighters access to the reservoir for firefighting use after the fire broke out in bush around Evergreen Crescent this afternoon.
It was reported to Fire and Emergency at 2.20pm and residents of around 10 properties were warned to be ready to evacuate if necessary.
It was brought under control shortly after 5pm and helicopters were continuing to monitor the fire until 8.30pm.
Ground crews will remain at the scene overnight, but numbers will be scaled back.
There is still a lot of smoke around and residents downwind of the fire have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
Residents nearby went onto the street to watch as the blaze took hold.
Photo: Supplied/ Michael Hammond
Witness Aaron Doll could see the fire from his office.
"I can see half the hill has been engulfed in flames, smouldering to the right and flames to the left as it's travelling to the left side of the hill," he said.
Locals made offers for those evacuating to take shelter in their houses, and to house pets and animals.
A witness said large clouds of smoke could be seen rising up over the Hutt Valley and from surrounding suburbs.
Photo: Supplied/ The Way Studios
People are being asked to stay away from the area, so that fire crews can concentrate on their work.