Building seriously damaged in Christchurch blaze

A large hall has been seriously damaged by a fire in Christchurch overnight.

The fire service was called to the building on Kearneys Road in Linwood just before 2am, southern fire communications shift commander Riwai Grace said.

At least half of the 60m by 30m hall was well alight, he said.

Five appliances and an aerial unit were sent to the scene.

"It took about an hour and a half to get the fire under control."

One fire crew was still at the building dampening down hot spots, Mr Grace said.

Fire investigators and police would get to the scene later this morning to determine what started the blaze.