Firefighters were called to the stadium about 1am when a passing motorist reported seeing a blaze at the venue, unaware it was the Games torch.
In the same tradition as the Olympics, the 50cm-high flame was to burn for the duration of the event.
A security guard, who was about to finish for the night, was perplexed by the arrival of police and two fire engines, and in the confusion it was decided the torch should be extinguished.
Games manager Aaron Joy says the gas-fuelled flame is housed in fire-proof surrounds and meets all safety specifications, and the fire service had been informed it would be burning.This is Joy's fifth Masters Games in Dunedin and he says dousing the flame has to be a first.
"I've had to deal with some tricky situations in my time but having the symbolic life of the Games snuffed out prematurely is not one I ever anticipated. I don't think it's ever happened at the Olympics!"
Dunedin Fire Station senior station officer Lindsay Rae could not confirm firefighters extinguished the fire, Stuff reports today.
The torch has been reignited and will stay alight until the Games end on Sunday.
