Rain douses smouldering fire on Arrowtown hillside

A hillside above Arrowtown continues to smoulder however persistent rain overnight and throughout the day has helped take the heat out of what was a large blaze.

A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency New Zealand says firefighters are continuing to monitor the site.

Four helicopters and five crews on Wednesday battled the 10-hectare fire on rural land above Malaghans Road.

The spokesperson says the aircraft were stood down at 8.30pm.

"Heavy rain has made a difference."

This morning, a digger operator was put on stand by, just as a precaution, he said.

"They need diggers to turn over the earth just to make sure the fire is out."

He said he was unable to comment officially on what may have started the blaze, which took hold near Coronet Forest.

However there are reports a burn-off got out of control.

Fire crews from the nearby Arrowtown brigade, as well as from Alexandra, fought the blaze, the spokesperson said.

It was first reported a little after 3.45pm.

Main image: Smoke continues to rise on a hillside above Arrowtown on Thursday, October 24.