There have been power surges throughout Wellington after an electrical fire at the Haywards substation around 6pm

Fire and Emergency communications shift manager Belinda Beets says one fire appliance is at the scene but crews aren't able to put it out until Transpower staff secure the area.

Ms Beets says fire crews had to help people out of lifts on Dixon Street, Lambton Quay and The Terrace in central Wellington after power surges caused by the fire.

The fire is small, and unlikely to grow before fire crews put it out.