A major vegetation fire between Herbert and Waianakarua in North Otago has now been contained.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said crews responded about 1.30pm after a report of a fire burning in grass on a rural property near a forestry block.
At the fire’s height, four helicopters and nine appliances and crews from the Hampden, Weston and Kakanui Volunteer Fire Brigades and the Waitaki Voluntary Rural Fire Force worked to contain the blaze which covered about 3 hectares.
All helicopters were stood down at 5pm and a couple of fire crews remained on site to dampen hot spots.
The spokesman said no property or infrastructure was at risk during the fire.
He said it was not yet clear how the blaze started, and it was not certain if an investigation would take place.