Huge fire near Christchurch causes a stir

The fire can be seen across Christchurch. Photo / Chrissie Tait

A massive plume of smoke over the Port Hills has sent shockwaves through Christchurch this afternoon.

Hundreds of messages about the fire have flooded into Newstalk ZB's Christchurch newsroom - with smoke visible from across the city.

Fire and Emergency say the clouds of smoke are coming from a controlled burn.

You guys is there a fire over on the peninsula? #chch #christchurch pic.twitter.com/wz4S6Ul9Fr

— Sal (@SimpleSall) June 9, 2020

FENZ said the burn off is on Charteris Bay Rd towards Diamond Harbour.

They said the bulk off the burn-off is now done and smoke should be diminishing.

A Diamond Harbour resident said the fire is on Loudon Farm - and they can see helicopters with monsoon buckets putting it out.

The fire can be seen across Christchurch. Photo / Chrissie Tait

Fire and Emergency say the clouds of smoke are coming from a controlled burn. Photo / Emma Bhatia

Fire over the #porthills #christchurch pic.twitter.com/vIRCBKItRC

— NZ Stormchasers (@NZStormchasers) June 9, 2020