A Lake Ohau homeowner says she's devastated by the loss the community has gone through after a fire ripped through the village.
Responders were called to the blaze, which has ravaged up to 50 structures, about 3am on Sunday.
Crews were redeployed to the fire grounds on Monday. Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare, who's in the area assessing damage, believes the fire is contained for now.
Homeowner Janet Brown told Newshub the experience has been terrifying.
"When we left the village and I turned around and I saw the village on fire," she said. "It was that quick.
"I cannot believe nobody died - it's a miracle.
"It was a terrifying night - the winds were so strong."
Brown said she knew something was wrong when she began to hear sirens.
"I knew we didn't have very long and we woke everyone up - [we] got out as quickly as possible.
"It was incredible what the residents did to get everybody out."
Meanwhile, Henare has promised a funding package to support residents affected by the blaze, with an initial $100,000 coming from the Mayoral relief fund.
That money will be allocated according to people's needs, Henare said.
"I think it's important that the local Government and those people locally in the community have the opportunity to put that money to best use."
Earlier, Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher said it was a tough time for residents.
"For those permanent residents there, losing everything they own, it's a very tough time," he told The AM Show host Duncan Garner.
"There is a lot of sadness and a lot of despair."
