UPDATED 8.50PM An out-of-control fire in Christchurch has narrowly missed a house.

Fire crews are responding to a large bush fire in the Port Hills area.

Eight fire engines, four tankers, one command unit and four helicopters are trying to bring the blaze under control.

The weather and terrain are making it spread further.

But Newstalk ZB's Samantha Olley is on nearby Kennedy's Bush road and says fire fighters have managed to save a house.

She says much of the property is surrounded by burnt scrub and trees.

A Fire Service spokeswoman said there was a large, out of control bush fire near Early Valley Rd and Old Tai Tapu Rd.

She said the hilly terrain had forced the fire up the hills.

There are eight fire crews in attendance, with three tankers, a command centre, rural fire crews, and two helicopters.

Two more helicopters have been dispatched to help battle the blaze.

The spokeswoman said strong winds were fanning the flames.

Fire Service southern communications shift manager Lyn Crosson said the fire is not contained.

Crosson said volunteer teams from the National Rural Fire Authority are also at the scene.