Firefighters expect to be working at a forest block in Wairarapa for several days, with conditions making their task very difficult.

Ground crews have had to retreat from a large fire in Wairarapa, and may not be able to get close again until the morning.

At least 60 hectares of forestry on Homewood Road near Riversdale Beach has already been burned.

Rural Fire Officer Grant Davies said wind gusts of 130 kilometres an hour means ground crews won't be able to return until tomorrow.

"Generally we don't fight fires at night it's too dangerous, both for ground crews and helicopters so it'll be first light tomorrow before we'll most likely go back in and asses the situation."

Ground crews have been pulled out of the fire on Homewood Road near Riversdale Beach, because of the steep hill country.

Officer Davies said there are now five helicopters on the scene, but a large area of forestry has been lost.