Fire at North Canterbury honey factory now under control

A large fire at a North Canterbury honey factory has now been contained.

Fire crews have battled to contain the blaze at Natural New Zealand Honey's facility at Okuku near Rangiora all afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the fire shortly after 1pm.

The Rangiora Volunteer Fire Brigade was first on the scene and quickly called for back-up.

More volunteer crews have come from Woodend and Oxford to help tackle the blaze at a large shed and container.

Extra tankers are coming from Amberley and Waikuku, Fire Service southern communications shift manager Rewai Grace said.

Grace said that beeswax has been feeding the fire. He says the crews are now removing roofing to get better access.

All units are still working full force and there was no indication of the cause of the fire yet, Grace added.