Firefighters are dampening the last hotspots in Bay of Plenty's Te Puna, following a large shelterbelt fire

Residents from 10 homes were forced to evacuate for a few hours yesterday, from the fire that covered three and half kilometres near Snodgrass Road.

Sixteen fire trucks and a helicopter contained the fire, and 20 personnel have been working to extinguish the fire overnight.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer says firefighters dealt with windy conditions and difficult terrain.

He says the area is full of lifestyle blocks and orchards.