Large sand dune fire at Christchurch beach

The fire had taken hold in tussock and grass after being fanned by a stiff easterly wind. Photo / File

Firefighters battling a large sand dune fire at a Christchurch beach this afternoon now appear to have it under control.

Emergency services were called to the Southshore blaze at 1.17pm today.

Fanned by a stiff easterly wind, the fire had taken hold in tussock and grass.

Four appliances and a tanker were dispatched to the scene.

On arrival, they found the fire had extended to an area 30m long by 30m wide, Fire Service southern communications shift manager Daryl Ball said. There was no threat to nearby properties.

However, a wide cordon was put in place to keep people away while the firefighters battled to put it out.

One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.

"With all the heavy kit, it can get pretty warm in there," Mr Ball said.

Crews now have the fire under control and are in the dampening down process.