Residents have taken to social media to thank emergency crews after a fast-moving fire threatened properties and prompted evacuations between Clyde and Alexandra on Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighting crews have been stood down at the site of the large vegetation fire near Springvale Road.

A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency New Zealand said one crew had remained on site overnight on Wednesday, but no teams were needed on the ground today (Thursday February 26).

“We have had a bit of rain in the area, which has assisted us,” the spokesperson said.

A fire investigator has been at the site, and the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Video: FENZ

All residents who were evacuated during the incident have since returned home.

The fire, reported just after 3.25pm on Wednesday, burned roughly 20 hectares of dry grassland and pine trees, destroying a shed and damaging the exterior of a house.

Helicopters and crews from across Otago responded.

Fire crews respond to a fast-moving blaze near Springvale Road on Wednesday afternoon. Image: Susan Heal

Springvale Road was closed during the incident.

Central Otago District Council took to Facebook to express its gratitude to first responders.

“A huge thank you to Otago - Fire and Emergency Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management and all crews who worked tirelessly yesterday afternoon to successfully contain the fire near Springvale,” it said in a post.

"Their swift response and coordinated efforts were critical in protecting our community and bringing the situation under control.”

Local business owner Crystal Currie said she had closed her doggy daycare for the day by the time the fire broke out.

“We could see the smoke, and we were definitely having conversations around evacuation plans,” she told The Central App.

Crystal said she later reached out to another nearby dog care business, offering support if animals needed to be moved in an emergency.

“It’s a real reminder of how many people and situations a fire like that can affect,” she said.

Helicopters fighting the fire from the air were stood down at 8pm on Wednesday. Images: Susan Heal

Down the road at Tree Range Farms, the team also had a message for fire crews.

“Seeing such big clouds or smelling smoke so close to home is a real eye opener, I’m sure I speak for many when I say how grateful we are for the people and crews who run toward it when that siren goes,” they said on a post to a local community Facebook page.

“And to the families holding down the fort at home when the other half disappears at the ring of a siren, thank you. Feeling very grateful tonight as it could have looked a lot different for many without you guys.”

On the morning of the blaze, FENZ had issued a warning to residents about dangerous fire conditions.

"Wednesday will be hot and windy in parts of inland Otago, which will push up the fire risk," it said.

"Please don't light any outdoor fires on Wednesday, even if where you live is not already covered by a total fire ban."

The district entered a prohibited fire season over the weekend.

Read more: Fire near Clyde contained after helicopters, 21 crews battle blaze

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