Some homes have been evacuated and power was cut to hundreds of people as fire crews battled a blaze near Roxburgh on Monday. 

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) spokesman said they received multiple calls  about 2.45pm about pine trees on fire in Roxburgh East, across the Clutha River from Roxburgh township.

In an update on Monday evening Fenz said the fire was not yet under control, and crews were still working to protect residential buildings.

Winds that had fanned the flames for much of the afternoon had dropped, and it had started to rain, which would help considerably, a Fenz spokesman said.

Six homes on Ladysmith Rd had been evacuated as a precaution.There had been no damage to any properties. 

Earlier, using aircraft to fight the fire was not an option due to the high winds, but a helicopter was now being brought in to assist before nightfall, he said.

“Quite a few" crews were in attendance in the afternoon working alongside the Roxburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade, including firefighters from Lawrence, Millers Flat, Dunstan Rural and Alexandra.

Using aircraft to fight the fire was not an option due to the high winds, the spokesman said.

More than 220 customers in the area were without electricity due to a fire safety disconnection at one point in the afternoon, but power was gradually being restored.

Aurora Energy for much of the afternoon said power was expected to be fully restored by 8pm; however, in a website update just before 9.30pm the company gave a restoration time of 10am on Tuesday.

A Ladysmith Rd resident took to social media this afternoon to ask people to stay away from the area.

"Please . . don't come down Ladysmith Rd unless you need to come here. It's a narrow road and the emergency services need all the room they can get. It's congested here."

The Roxburgh Community Resilience group was on standby to help and other people offered help with animals, food and shelter.

"Your community is at the ready to support you," one posted.

The Roxburgh blaze was one of several vegetation fires in Otago on Monday, and officials said the severe wind had made the the situation worse.

All of the fires had escalated quickly, Fenz District Commander Blair Kiely said.

"Strong winds and warm temperatures mean that fires spread quickly and are much more difficult for our firefighters to contain and bring under control, Kiely said.

"The winds were so strong today that in most places we were not able to use aircraft."

He thanked everyone who had pitched in to help on Monday: "I would like to thank every firefighter who has responded to the fires across Otago today, and all those who have been in support roles.

"Giving up their Labour Day holiday to fight fires was a selfless act to support our communities."

Further south, wild winds brought down power lines in rural Waimumu, near Gore, setting grass and a hedge alight. 

Most wildfires in New Zealand were caused by people, Kiely said. And with a dry El Niño season expected to peak during the New Zealand summer, the fires today were a reminder of just how necessary preparation and care are.

"Everyone can help by taking extra care with fire and getting prepared now, before conditions get any drier."

— additional reporting ODT Online