Homes are burning near Mosgiel in Otago as firefighters battle a series of fires fuelled by high temperatures and winds in New Zealand's South Island.
A huge fire in a hillside near Mosgiel has spread to some homes, with the fire service saying residents are being rescued.
A spokesman said there were multiple evacuations in progress, but the number of property fires was still unclear.
Two helicopters and six fire engines are at the scene and residents have been warned not to delay leaving their homes.
A separate fire in South Canterbury is also being dealt with and firefighters were also being dispatched to Taieri Beach, Dunedin, Waitaki and Saddle Hill.
A large blaze in Central Otago kept firefighters busy earlier in the day, burning through 90 hectares of scrub and leading to the town of Dunback being evacuated.
Although the fire had been contained, strong winds were preventing helicopter crews from fighting the blaze, creating fears the wind could further fan the flames, a fire service spokesman said.
Gales of up to 140km/h hit parts of the South Island on Wednesday with temperatures in some areas expected to climb to about 27C.
