UPDATED 1.12pm: A Hawke's Bay farmer's counting his lucky stars after caming within metres of losing his home in the major wildfire in Waimarama.

The blaze has torn through at least 300 hectares and destroyed one home, after it spread on Waimarama Road.

Waimarama Road farmer, Richard Chambers says the fire came ten metres from his home, and a lot of his land is gone.

"It's ugly - there are a lot of hectares that are completely parched. It's not a pretty sight."

Fire crews have contained the massive wildfire, but a Civil Defence emergency warning is still in place as the the fire continues to burn. The risk of it spreading is limited.

The threat to near-by homes is also reduced.

Waimarama Road is open but Craggy Range Road and Lopez Lane remains closed - and the 37 people who live on this road are still out of their homes.

A Welfare Centre is set up at Havelock North Function Centre for anyone in need of help.

The fire destroyed a home as it burned through hectares of land yesterday and crews are standing by to deal with flare-ups

Since daylight helicopters using monsoon buckets have been continuing to fight the fire and prevent it spreading.

Fires in Colin White Road, Ripia Stream, Te Hauke, and Endsleigh Road are contained, but fire crews continue to monitor them and are dealing with flare ups where required.

Eight helicopters are being used to help fight the fires.

The main concern to residents near the fire zone is an expected change in wind direction later today, which could fan smouldering embers and push the fire front in a new direction.

Two generators are on hand as backup to the Waimarama water supply system.

Residents are asked to stay vigilant and keep an eye on Hastings District Council’s Facebook page, HB Emergency websites and/or your local radio station.

The public is being asked to stay away from the fires to allow fire crews the room to do their job and ensure the safety of everyone.

There have been substantial resources brought into the district to help with the fires and teams are coping well and responding where required.