House fire rapidly spreading across two properties north of Christchurch

A residential house fire in Canterbury spread to a neighbouring property where it damaged a lean-to today.

Fire and Emergency services were called to a house fire in Kaiapoi, 17km north of Christchurch, at 11.35am.

Firefighters on the scene of the blaze in Kaiapoi. Photo / George Heard

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said one house was “well ablaze upon our arrival”, and the fire spread to a neighbouring property where it damaged a lean-to and broke two windows.

Hato Hone St John also responded to the scene about 12.30pm with two ambulance

“Two patients are being assessed and treated at the scene at this stage,” said a St John spokesperson.

Fire and Emergency initially sent two volunteer trucks from Kaiapoi but have since sent two additional fire trucks to help battle the blaze.

Crews were called to the house fire at 11.35am. Photo / George Heard