Fresh crews are coming in to monitor the monster tyre fire in the North Canterbury town of Amberley.

A pile of about 500 old tyres ignited in a yard on Racecourse Rd just before 6.30 last night.

Residents have been told to close their doors and windows because of the smoke.

Firefighters have been able to prevent the flames from spreading to a much larger pile of thousands of tyres, and are now waiting for the fire to burn itself out.

It was identified as a fire risk by the Hurunui District Council two years ago.

Chief executive Hamish Dobbie says for two years they've been trying to get the owner to remove the tyres.

"We have been working with ECan through enforcement action to try and force the removal of these tyres. These processes are always long and slow and difficult."

READ MORE: Large tyre fire in Christchurch

Despite the warning to stay indoors, a nearby school, Broomfield, has opened today. 

School have been talking with fire and police about the situation.

Water supplies been shut off over fears of contamination from the tyre fire.

Hurunui District Council communications officer Alex Taylor says people on this particular supply have stored water and should be ok for the day.

"Given the depth of the bore, no contamination is suspected, but it's prudent that we carry out the checks before bringing it back online, and we'll have further updates this afternoon."

Two fire appliances are on the scene, with the fire burning in different areas of the tyre pile.