Emergency services were called to a fire at Evans Flat near Lawrence earlier today.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager Daryl Ball said crews from Balclutha, Lawrence and Waitahuna were attending the blaze - a controlled burn which had got out of control.

The call came in shortly after 10.15am today and two helicopters are supporting five ground fire appliances, he said.

"We had a report of trees on fire. The information that we had is that three to four controlled burns close to trees have gone into the trees.

"We have a couple of helicopters heading in that direction now  to assist ground crews.''

Three fire appliances and three Rural Fire tankers were at the scene.

The size and spread of the fire was unknown at this stage. 

Fire crews at the scene this afternoon. Photo: John Cosgrove