A suspicious scrub fire which threatened about 30 homes in Wither Hills in Blenheim has been brought under control.
Earlier a strong south-easterly wind blew the grass fire, on the riverbank, near Taylor Pass Road, towards homes.
Marlborough rural fire chief Richard McNamara said more than 10 fire crews worked to get the fire under control and about 60 people were evacuated as a precaution.
He said the cause of the fire was suspicious and both police and fire investigators were at the scene.
Mr McNamara said there had been a series of suspicious fires in the area over the past few weeks.
Firefighters will remain in the area overnight to dampen down hotspots.
