Fire and Emergency says a large grass fire in Central Otago has now been contained.
FENZ was called to a large grass fire that was threatening structures in the Springvale area near Clyde before 3.30pm.
Fire and Emergency assistant commander Nic McQuillan said 21 fire trucks and support vehicles responded to the fire.
One shed has been destroyed and flames have scorched the exterior of one house.
About 20 hectares has been burned on both sides of Springvale Road, which remains closed.
FENZ assistant commander Nic McQuillan. Photo: RNZ / Katie Todd
McQuillan said residents of most of the properties evacuated this afternoon had been allowed to return home.
A small number of properties to the west of McArthur Road were not yet able to go home, but were expected to be able to return later this evening.
McQuillan said an arborist was felling several dangerous trees which had been damaged by the fire this, some 30 metre pines.
"We haven't been able to get into that area fully yet."
He said they were "quite a hazard".
As of 8pm the helicopters had been stood down and some of the fire crews were being released. Multiple crews would be working until dark with one crew staying on the fireground overnight, patrolling in case of flare-ups.
Additional crews would return tomorrow to extinguish some deep-seated areas of fire, McQuillan said.
A large grassfire was threatening structures in the Springvale area near Clyde in Central Otago. Photo: Kaden Campbell
The fire was 400 metres by 400 metres initially, but a spokesperson earlier said it was spreading quickly through grass and pine trees.
Aimz Hemming said they were able to smell the smoke from their street a few kilometres away.
"When the alarm went off, all the sirens were go," Hemming said. "It was a wee bit scary."
* Are you in the area? Contact RNZ at iwitness@rnz.co.nz
The fire is in the Springvale area, near Clyde. Photo: Supplied / Facebook
Fire and Emergency earlier said the fire was producing a lot of smoke which was drifting towards Alexandra.
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