A fire which spread quickly through sand dunes in Ocean View on Saturday was only metres from engulfing nearby properties.
The fire began just before 3pm, throwing up large plumes of smoke as it raged through the dunes next to Brighton Rd, while people watched from the beach and road.
Neighbouring homes were quickly evacuated and Otago Rural Fire Authority operations manager Graeme Still said about six houses on Brighton Rd were threatened by the fire which burnt through about 300sq m of scrub and tussock.
It was a "bit dicey'' for a little while and the fire was about 20m away from engulfing the closest homes, Mr Still said.
Eight appliances and three helicopters with buckets were called in to fight the blaze which took about 45 minutes to contain.
"Any time there is structures involved you have got to send in the cavalry.''
He was full of praise for the Brighton Volunteer Fire Brigade which was first on the scene and helped ensure the fire did not engulf neighbouring homes.
Mr Still believed rural firefighters would remain at the scene dampening down hot-spots until at least 7.30pm.
The main road to Brighton was blocked off for some hours while firefighters battled the blaze.
It was not yet known what caused the fire.
Later in the afternoon, firefighters were called to a Guy Fawkes bonfire which was throwing up large plumes of smoke in Halfway Bush.
Members of the public were concerned it was threatening houses and firefighters quickly put it out.
The fire took hold in bush off Brighton Rd. Photo: Chris Duggan
