Firefighters are battling a vegetation blaze close to houses near Christchurch this evening.
A fire has taken hold near Taylors Mistake Rd above Sumner.
Emergency services were called at 5.55pm and three fire engines and two tankers are on the scene, a Fire Service spokesman said.
"It's not very large but it's very close to the homes on top of the very steep cliff face."
No homes have been evacuated but it's possible some residents have left the area under their own steam, the spokesman said.
