Evacuations are underway in the Mackenzie District, as a large fire rips through the Lake Ohau Village

Lake Ohau Road off State Highway 8, near Twizel, is closed.

Motorists are being asked to avoid the area, as the fire is burning through pine forest and grass, and being fanned by strong westerly winds.

Several houses are thought to have been destroyed by the blaze.

There are 16 fire crews and eight helicopters at the scene.

Police have been evacuating all village residents, as well as campsites and other properties in the vicinity.