Fire crews have contained the large fire in Rolleston, Christchurch

13 appliances are currently at the scene surrounding the blaze - they were called out about 4.30 this afternoon.

It started as a hedge fire, then spread to about 30 by 50 metres of tyres at a property on Weddons Rd, off state highway one.

Members of the public have reported thick black smoke billowing around 100 metres into the air.

Fire and Emergency NZ is urging the public to stay away, and shut their windows if they are close to the scene.