Large scrub fire in West Melton, Canterbury

Another scrub fire has broken out in Canterbury, in the West Melton area.

Thick, orange-black smoke is spiraling up from the blaze near Thompsons Road, which witnesses describe as 'huge'.

Two helicopters are circling above in an effort to try and help crews on the ground.

Newstalk ZB's Richard Green is in the area, and he says it's huge.

He says he's currently monitoring it to see if he needs to self-evacuate.

Richard Green says it may be connected to a scrub fire that flared up last night.

"This may be the one that we saw in the middle of the night that has reignited.

"The current temperature is 31 C, very hot, and we have the wind swinging to the northeast so at the moment it is tinder dry in this area."

Richard Green says it appears the fire is under control as it doesn't seem to be as big as it was at first.

And hundreds of motorcyclists have been asked to leave a Canterbury speedway after another scrub fire broke out.

The blaze at West Melton has burnt around 100 hectares of land.

Fire Service Spokesperson Ian Lynn says about 300 riders have left the Moorepark Speedway.

He says even though the blaze was about a kilometre away, they were asked to leave as a safety precaution.

Ian Lynn says the fire is now contained, but gale force winds are predicted for the region this afternoon.

Meanwhile, firefighters have managed to put out a blaze near Christchurch Airport.

Two tanks remain at the scene on Pound Road, dampening down hotspots.

Assistant Area Commander Dave Berry says people need to make sure they don't use charcoal barbecues, and if they see smoke contact the fire service immediately.

He says yesterday and today proves how quickly fire can travel and emphasises how careful people must be.

Photo: NZ Herald