Firefighters have been monitoring the scene of a large scrub fire near a wastewater treatment plant in Taupo overnight

It broke out just before 5pm on Rickit Street, and people were evacuated as a precaution.

Eight fire crews and one helicopter fought the blaze late into the evening.

It was contained late last night and 80 percent of it was extinguished.

Fire and Emergency shift manager Josh Pennyfather says some crews will return today to monitor for hot spots and dig up any dirt that's on fire.