Multiple crews and a helicopter are responding to a large scrub fire in rural Canterbury this morning that has already claimed three structures.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews from Darfield, Darfield South, Kirwee, Sheffield, Coalgate, Cust and other rural areas west of Christchurch, including the city, are on the scene.

“We are currently attending a large fire near Old West Coast Rd,” Darfield Volunteer Fire Brigade said.

“Please stay clear of the area so our crews can work, if you are downwind please close your windows to avoid the smoke.”

Local resident Dean Jenkins said he and others were among the first on the scene when the blaze broke out at the corner of Bleak House and Redmonds Rds.

Thick black smoke can be seen while explosions have been heard. Photo / Dean Jenkins 

He said the fire appeared to have started near a workshop belonging to a man who recycles old whiteware.

Jenkins described hearing several large explosions while standing about 100m from the fire.

“You could feel it through your body,” he said.

Multiple crews and a helicopter are responding to a large scrub fire in rural Canterbury this morning. Photo / Dean Jenkins 

“There were some pretty decent explosions in there. I think it was all the fridges, they have those gas canisters in them.

”It’s pretty impressive... The main house seems okay.”

Multiple crews and a helicopter are responding to a large scrub fire in rural Canterbury this morning. Image / Google Maps 

By the time Jenkins spoke to the Herald, the flames were beginning to subside as fire crews tackled the blaze.

Media inquiries were directed to the Fire and Emergency national media team.

The blaze has broken out near Darfield in Canterbury. Photo / Dean Jenkins 

A spokesperson said: “Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to a fire in trees at a property near Darfield in Canterbury at 9.59am.

“Thirteen trucks from Darfield, Kirwee, Sheffield, Hororata, Dunsandle, Rolleston, Cust, Coalgate and Christchurch and one helicopter are responding.”

Three structures have been lost to fire, they confirmed.

“The public are advised to avoid the area while crews work,” the spokesperson said.

“Anyone impacted by smoke from the fire should stay inside with their windows and doors closed.”

More to come.