An investigation is under way to determine the cause of a fire which spread through about 5ha of farmland near Bucklands Crossing on Saturday.
Two helicopters with monsoon buckets were used to locate and douse the fire, which was not easily accessible by road.
Emergency services were called to the blaze, in the Blucher Rd area, just before midday.
Dunedin principal rural fire officer Graeme Still said a 35kmh northwest wind in the area at the time was worrying, although conditions became calm later in the afternoon.
''It had the potential to get away up into the back of the Silver Peaks.''
Once the flames had been extinguished by helicopter crews, rural firefighters were flown to the site to ''mop up'' the rest about 3pm, Mr Still said.
The fire was ''miles'' from the nearest dwelling and did not threaten any property, he said.
Firefighters remained on site until dusk.
