Large scrub fire near Queenstown 'largely contained', woodshed and car destroyed

At least one property had been engulfed in flames and while firefighters fought to protect two others, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said. Photo / Queenstown Lakes District Council

A large scrub fire near Queenstown which quickly spread across 200 hectares earlier today has been largely contained by firefighters.

Seven ground crews and six helicopters using with monsoon buckets had been fighting the blaze in Skippers Canyon.

Deputy principal rural fire officer for Central Otago Mark Mawhinney said a woodshed and vehicle had been destroyed in the blaze.

However, nearby properties were protected from the fire, which had largely been contained by 7pm, he said.

"We're confident we've done as much as we can to contain the fire, but we need to be prepared for things to change overnight."

Emergency services were first notified of the fire at the bottom of Deep Creek around 2.45pm, sparking the response.

A woodshed and a vehicle were destroyed in the fire. Photo / QLDC

Windy conditions in the area were dropping and there was potential for rain to fall overnight.

Just how damaging the fire had been to the Deep Creek area would be better known tomorrow, Mawhinney said.

"We'll be standing the emergency service crews down overnight for safety reasons, but the fire will be closely monitored and the response effort will start again at first light, once we are clear what we are dealing with."

Skippers Rd was closed shortly after the fire broke out and would remain closed overnight.

Within hours after the fire started, it had quickly engulfed 200 hectares, about the size of 200 rugby fields.

A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency New Zealand told Newstalk ZB around 4.30pm it was thought one property had went up in flames.

However, Mawhinney said only the woodshed and car had been destroyed by the blaze. There was also no risk of life in the area.

The next update would be provided by 9am tomorrow.