Residents from ten properties in Te Puna, Bay of Plenty... may not be able to return home tonight... after being evacuated due to a shelterbelt fire

Fire and Emergency says the blaze is currently contained... and has burned around 3 and a half kilometres of shelterbelt near Snodgrass Road.

They say 16 fire trucks and a helicopter will be working to extinguish the fire until twilight.

Those nearby are urged to stay away and to keep their windows and doors closed... and turn off any air conditioning units.