UPDATED 7.52pm: A skeleton crew will remain on standby overnight, as the drama surrounding a fire at Hanmer Springs subsides.

Eight helicopters and 75 firefighters were battling the blaze today, which threatened to destroy a number of homes.

Residents were evacuated in the early hours of this morning, but have since been allowed to return to their homes.

North Canterbury Conservation Operations Manager Kingsley Timpson said a small crew will monitor the blaze overnight, to make sure it doesn't spread.

And tomorrow it'll be all go once more, with operations kicking off from first light.

He said that will involve a lot of on the ground fire-fighting, but he anticipates helicopters will be brought in to play a part.

LISTEN ABOVE: North Canterbury Conservation Operations Manager Kingsley Timpson speaks to Larry Williams