Four fire engines and two helicopters are fighting a vegetation fire on Christchurch's Port Hills.
Fire and Emergency (FENZ) was alerted to the fire about 11.15am.
They said there were currently four appliances and two helicopters in attendance working to bring the fire under control. A third helicopter was on its way.
A video taken by witness Callum Templeton showed a helicopter using a monsoon bucket to dump water on the fire.
FENZ was asking the public to avoid the area to allow its crews to battle the blaze.
Waka Kotahi said State Highway 76 was closed between Port Hills Road and Chapmans Road due to the fire.
Smoke is billowing over the hills and is visible from the central city.
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