Firefighters have worked through the night, trying to contain a large scrub fire west of Palmerston North

The fire broke out in a plantation near Himatangi Beach about six o'clock last night -- and has now spread to about 12 hectares.

Three helicopters and ten fire trucks from across Manawatu were called to the fire.

Fire crews have remained on the scene throughout the night, to stop the spread of the fire and create fire breaks.

The helicopter crews were stood down when it got dark, but are due back at first light.