The cost of cleaning up a 28-hectare Dunedin scrub fire that threatened nearby houses could run to six figures.
The huge scrub fire on Signal Hill on the edge of Dunedin could be seen from across the city. Photo: Supplied
Tuesday's fire on Signal Hill took six helicopters, 45 firefighters and eight fire engines to bring under control, as strong winds fanned the flames.
It started on the hillside behind Logan Park High School and spread over the hill towards Ravensborne, where houses were evacuated.
Otago Rural Fire Authority spokesman Graeme Still said the fire damaged mountain bike tracks and pine trees that helped stabilise the hill.
The cause of the fire was not yet determined.
Firefighters would continue to dampen down hot spots, Mr Still said.
