A car fire in the Phoenix Health centre car park on Pyne Street last Friday afternoon was quickly extinguished.

The Beacon understand the occupants were in the car when it began to smoke.

A witness said flames were visible underneath and quickly spread, consuming the vehicle.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said a crew from the Whakatāne Fire Station responded to the blaze at 3pm.

"The fire was extinguished and the crew had left by 3.30pm."