Flames towered above the treeline as a large vegetation fire broke out on the grounds of Waitaki Boys' High School in Oamaru this morning.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said it was first alerted to a fire in a 200m long hedge at the school shortly before 9am.
The situation quickly escalated as the blaze spread through nearby vegetation, a FENZ spokesperson said.
"That was quickly escalated to a second alarm call and we sent several more vehicles."
At the height of the response, eight fire trucks and support vehicles were on site battling the flames, which sent thick smoke billowing across the area and could be seen from across the North Otago town.
As of 11am, the fire was "pretty much out", with crews now in "mop-up mode".
No injuries had been reported.
Witnesses described a dramatic scene as the fire rapidly intensified.
One nearby resident told 1News the flames erupted "pretty quickly", with fire spreading through trees and vegetation in a matter of minutes.
The resident also reported power outages in the area as emergency services worked to contain the blaze.
Waitaki Boys' High School confirmed all students and staff were safe.
"As you will know, there has been a fire on the school grounds, hedge on Don field. Fire is now under control, and everyone is safe. Huge thanks to the emergency services for their quick response."
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