A scrub fire that stretched 20 metres next to railway tracks on Ngatai Road is being treated as suspicious.

Tauranga Fire Brigade was called to the fire about 4.40pm yesterday after concerns the fire might spread to neighbouring Otumoetai properties.

Firefighters believe someone walking past deliberately lit Toi Toi bushes on fire.

Two fire trucks attended the scene to ensure the fire did not spread.

Tauranga Fire Brigade senior station officer Len Sabin says while the fire was relatively small, two fire appliances attended to make sure it didn't flare up.

He believes someone walking past decided to light Toi Toi bushes on fire.

'There was some concern for the nearby house that the fire would spread to the property and because the owners of the house weren't home. But it was cut off well before it could get near it.

'We had a couple of trucks there for about half an hour and gave it a good wet down.”

Len these types of fires typically occur in the summer time when the environment is dry and easier to light.

'The message from us would be if your property backs onto railway tracks, try and be vigilant with keeping an eye on things and making sure there is some distance any combustible material you may have on your property and the railway tracks.”