A fire that was threatening homes near Queenstown this afternoon has been contained.
Deputy principal rural fire officer Mark Mawhinney told the Otago Daily Times after 12.30pm the fire, at Lake Hayes, had been contained and firefighters were now dampening hot spots.
Helicopters involved in fighting the blaze had been stood down, but firefighters would be monitoring the area over the next few days for flare-ups.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand southern communications shift manager Tim Reynolds earlier said properties were “threatened” in the blaze near Threepwood Rd at Lake Hayes involving about 6ha.
"Quick work by the crew prevented any damage to any properties," he said.
Fire crews from Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown responded to the incident and three helicopters were sent.
A police media spokesperson confirmed it was called by Fire Emergency New Zealand in what has been described as a "grass fire" shortly after 11am.
Police cleared part of the Lake Hayes Walkway early this afternoon.
