Dunedin fire crews are commending the public response to a fire on the border of the Northern suburbs.

Three helicopters, two crews and two diggers are still working to put out the fire that began just before 3pm yesterday.

It has destroyed 30 hectares of scrub and forest in council reserves.

Fire Service spokesperson Graeme Still said residents dealt very well with evacuations in Rimu Street and traffic diversions.

He said everyone got out of the way when needed and they're very happy no homes were damaged or people hurt.