The fire is contained in Waikari Valley, but while residents of the nearby North Canterbury town of Waipara are back home, they remain on high alert.
The 300-hectare scrub fire broke out on Sunday night, forcing the evacuation of nearby rural properties.
And given the parched conditions throughout the region, there are fears that a repeat could be around the corner.
Our reporter Adam Burns has been in Waipara talking to relieved locals.
