A fire at Rotorua Recycling Centre that blanketed the surrounding area with smoke was likely caused by careless disposal, authorities say.

Three fire trucks and a water tanker were called to a rubbish fire on Te Ngae Rd around 12.30pm on Saturday, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said.

The fire was extinguished and crews left around 4.30pm.

In a written statement from Fire and Emergencytoday, a spokesperson said the fire at the Rotorua Recycling Centre on Saturday was not suspicious.

“The cause is unknown, although it is most likely to have started as the result of careless disposal of rubbish such as hot ashes or cigarette butts.”

Video sent to the Rotorua Daily Post and seen on social media showed smoke enveloping the area on Saturday afternoon.