Emergency services have been called after a vehicle caught fire on Oropi Rd near the Warner Rd turn-off this afternoon.

A witness told SunLive the driver managed to get out of the vehicle before it exploded, with flames spreading to a nearby roadside bank.

The fire occurred just beyond the Warner Rd turn-off, on a stretch of road used by families travelling to Oropi School.

According to the witness, the driver was directing traffic and advising motorists heading to the school to use an alternative route while emergency crews were on their way.

It is understood no injuries have been reported.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand northern fire communications shift manager Colin Underdown said a utility vehicle by a bank had caught fire.

The fire was reported at 2.10pm.

Underdown said the surrounding grass was also on fire.

Tauranga Fire Brigade and a tanker from Greerton Fire Brigade were attending.