A suspicious scrub fire at the end of Matapihi, near the rail bridge, saw firefighters battle the blaze for about two hours overnight.

Three appliances from Tauranga and Mount Maunganui Fire Brigades were called to the fire about 8.50pm.

Firefighters were called to a suspicious scrub fire in Matapihi overnight. File photo.

Tauranga Fire Brigade senior station officer Len Sabin says the fire is being investigated by police.

'A homeless person had been living in the bush near where the fire started. It's being treated as suspicious and police are investigating.

'Because of the high winds from last night, it took firefighters a bit to put it out.”

Len says around the same time they were dealing with the scrub fire, volunteer firefighters were called to what is believed to have been a bonfire on Wairoa Road about 9pm.

'We also attended a false alarm at Kaimai School during the night and a medical call, but we were stood down from that.”

People with any information are asked to contact Tauranga Police Station on 577 4300.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.