Five homes in Roxburgh were being threatened by fire last night as up to 60 firefighters battled a blaze on the hill behind the town.
The fire, fanned by strong winds, roared across the dry, scrub-covered hills behind Branxholm St.
It extended about 1km, burning on several fronts, but by 11pm, the combination of steady rain and dropping winds meant the blaze was able to be subdued.
Incident controller Mark Hutton, of Alexandra, said fire crews from Roxburgh, Ettrick, Alexandra, Millers Flat and Dunstan rural crews helped the crews of four helicopters fight the blaze.
"There's a strong nor'westerly, which is complicating things," Mr Hutton said.
The Otago Daily Times understands one house may have been destroyed by fire, but Mr Hutton could not confirm that.
The owners of several other properties in the town near one of the fire fronts left their homes as a precaution.
Eleven Teviot Valley Rest Home residents and three caregivers were moved to the Roxburgh Area School across the main road.
The home borders Branxholm St.
Caregiver Edna Smart said the residents were transported in wheelchairs across the road to the school.
The fire began about 8pm and the flames cut power to several homes.
Smoke was visible from as far afield as Ettrick and Shingle Creek and fire crews were still arriving at the scene at 10pm.
As the fire cut a path through the scrub, it dislodged rocks which tumbled down the hill.
Spectators lined the main street, Scotland St, beside the school as the events unfolded.
