Wellington, March 17 NZPA - A Marlborough forest fire that forced families to flee their homes is now under control, the Fire Service says.

Emergency services were called to the fire in a pine plantation on State Highway 6 near Canvastown, about 51km northwest of Blenheim, about 10.30pm yesterday.

Fire crews arrived to find the blaze was bigger than first reported, covering an estimated 20 to 30 hectares, Fire Service assistant area manager for Tasman Marlborough Tim Bennion said.

Four helicopters with monsoon buckets were brought in to fight the fire from the air, and bulldozers were used to cut fire breaks.

Thirty five people were evacuated from their homes late last night, spending the night at a local marae before being allowed to return home this morning.

A Department of Conservation spokesperson said the fire had been contained but firefighters would remain on standby.

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