Nine fire crews were called in to battle a blaze at a timber mill in Rotorua overnight.

Crews from Rotorua, Kawerau, Ngongotaha and Mamaku fought the fire, which could be seen from miles.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand were called to the large fire on Vaughn Road just before 6pm.

A spokesperson says crews were focussed on extinguishing the blaze and protecting nearby buildings.

Stuart Avery sent photos to Rotorua Now showing the night sky being lit up with red from the flames of the fire and from the lights of the fire engines.

Due to the size of the blaze, Vaughn Road had to be closed for a number of hours.

No one was reported in the building at the time of the fire and the cause is under investigation.