Fire crews from Papatowai and Owaka were called to a controlled burn-off yesterday near the Ratanui Bridge, which flared up in high winds.
The owner of the property had a permit for the burn-off, but the fire service was called when flames spread to pine trees on the property at 10.45am.
High winds fanned hot spots, and it took fire crews almost eight hours to dampen them down.
Owaka deputy chief fire officer Kelly Chambers said even if people had a permit, they needed to be aware of the weather forecast.
"Even though we had a bit of rain, with this wind, it doesn't take much to dry it out," he said.
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