Helicopters help battle the out-of-control burn-off at Peebles this afternoon. PHOTO: REBECCA RYAN

A controlled burn of gorse on a North Otago farm has got out of control this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the "steep terrain" fire near Peebles, which had grown to 150 metres by 150 metres at 2pm, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman said.

An appliance was sent from Oamaru, tankers from Weston, Glenavy, and Kakanui, and two helicopters were responding to the fire 17.7km north west of Oamaru, on State Highway 83.

The spokeswoman said emergencies crews were working to prevent the fire from spreading, but no other properties were at risk.

At about 9.30pm a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said that the helicopter had been stood down for the night but ground crews were continuing to work.