"At the moment becasue of the water table we can't put any water or foam onto the tyres so at this stage we're bgoing to let it burn and protect the exposures," he said.
"It's the smoke that's the effect at the moment... we're just trying to let it burn itself out a bit before we get a digger in to separate the tyres and then we'll bury it."
Berry said there was no indication what caused the fire at this stage.
Fire investigators were on their way to the scene and would speak to the property owner.
Civil Defence and the police were also at the scene.
How long the fire burned for depended on how quickly FENZ could separate and bury the tyres.
Berry said the fire was so intense due to the fuel loading of the tyres.
"Basically the only difficulty we've got is we can't put this one out, with a scrub fire we could attack it... we're just covering exposures... and letting it burn off," he said.
It is the second fire at the site in about three years.
A public safey warning has been issued this afternoon by the Canterbury District Health Board's Community and Public Health Unit relating to smoke from the fire.
"Air around this location is smoky and there is potential that people who are sensitive to smoke – such as those with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women, young children and the elderly – may experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath or eye, nose and throat irritation," the warning said.
"The main contaminant from fires involving tyres is sulphur dioxide which can cause respiratory problems such as bronchitis, and can irritate your nose, throat and lungs.
"It may cause coughing, wheezing, phlegm and asthma attacks.
"The effects are worse when you are exercising. Sulphur dioxide has been linked to cardiovascular disease."
"Remember to: keep your windows and doors shut, switch your air conditioning to 'recirculate', air out your house when the smoke clears, look out for children, older people, and others at risk."
In December a director of one of the companies which failed to remove the tyres from the site under a court Enforcement Order was sentenced.
Peter Benden was fined $36,000 and required to pay $20,000 toward the costs of removing the tyre pile.