Fire crews were called to a fully involved sleepout fire on Maude View Rd in Hāwea Flat this afternoon (January 30).

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) was alerted to the blaze at about 1.45pm, with crews from Luggate, Wānaka and Tarras responding.

FENZ shift manager Blair Walklin said when crews arrived the sleepout was well ablaze. He said firefighters worked quickly to bring the fire under control and prevent it spreading to nearby structures.

The fire has since been contained, with crews remaining on site to dampen down hotspots and ensure there is no risk of reignition, he said.

A neighbour described the scene as “quite scary”, saying thick black smoke and large flames could be seen from nearby properties.

They said they could also hear banging noises coming from the burning structure as the fire took hold.

No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is not yet known.

Crews were expected to remain on site for some time as a precaution.

PHOTO: Mary-Louise Roulston