Fire crews are responding to a large scrub fire at Lake Hawea in Central Otago.
It's burning near the entrance to the township - but it is not yet clear whether homes are affected.
Emergency services received multiple calls about a large scrub fire and many burning pine trees at around 5:20pm on Friday evening.
Newshub understands it is very close to the road and people nearby have been asked to avoid driving on State Highway 6 near Lake Hawea.
The fire is not under control and nearby homes have been evacuated. A helicopter is on the scene with monsoon buckets.
Three more helicopters are on the way and fire fighters across the region have responded.
A witness to the fire told Newshub efforts to control the fire from the air are having little effect and it is very windy.
Newshub.
