Clouds of smoke above the fire near Queensberry today. Photo: Tim Miller
The Luggate Volunteer Fire Brigade was called to the fire between Queensberry and Pisa Moorings about 5pm, but was stood down when the service discovered it was a controlled burn-off it was not aware of.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman Andrew Norris said there were "massive" clouds of smoke coming from the fire.
"We believe it's going to burn overnight and it is going to get bigger overnight."
The fire would be left in the hands of the landowner, who was believed to have it under control.
It was in the hills out of vehicle range and posed no danger to the public, he said.
