People evacuated from houses near a fire in the Bay of Islands have been allowed back home

Fire and Emergency were called to the Binnie Street blaze about 10.30 last night - with crews remaining overnight.

Area Commander Wipari Henwood says the fire was brought under control earlier this morning, but crews will stay mopping up for up to three days.

A section of the beachfront has been cordoned off for public safety - because of danger from damaged trees.

He says rain this morning has had little effect on the fire risk - the danger is still extreme and the prohibition on fires remains in place.