Fire crews are battling several rural blazes across Southland, Otago and South Canterbury.
File photo. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Authorities say resources are being stretched due to the number of call-outs.
Three properties are being evacuated near the South Canterbury town of Fairlie, as fire crews battle a forestry plantation blaze.
Deputy principal rural fire officer Ray Gardner said five tankers and three diggers were on site with more resources on the way.
He said high winds and smoke were making conditions difficult, but efforts to prevent it spreading further had been successful.
Crews are also fighting three separate blazes in Southland - two within five kilometres of each other in the Waimea Valley.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said strong winds were preventing helicopters from being deployed, but conditions were expected to ease soon.