Dunedin forest fire under control

Firefighters have been battling the blaze since 1.15am. Photo / File

A large forest fire south of Dunedin, near the small village of Waipori Falls, is believed to be under control.

The fire was reported about 1.15am, and responded to by Otago Rural Fire Authority and New Zealand Fire Service crews.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Stephanie Rotarangi said this morning the fire was about 1km by 50 metres long, and it was burning through forest.No homes were threatened.

"Firefighting at night in gusty conditions is a challenge for the crews. I'm very pleased with the progress they have made to hold this fire overnight".

Five appliances are attending the blaze, and the scene will be reassessed at first light.

Radio NZ reported that the forest is a pine plantation and the forestry company's firefighters had relieved volunteer brigades.

It also reported the blaze had caused the Waipori Falls dam power generation plant to be shut off, but there are no reports of power cuts in Dunedin.