Fire and Emergency crews battled a large vegetation fire in Southland's Otapiri Gorge today.
Fenz said the blaze was about 21ha in size with a 2.3km perimeter and included a eucalyptus plantation.
It was about 50% contained, "but not under control".
"High winds and the terrain made firefighting operations difficult."
Three helicopters were used to fight the fire.
Crews would work as daylight allowed and return on Saturday to get the fire fully contained, it said.
- Allied Media
