A massive plume of smoke over the Port Hills has sent shockwaves through Christchurch this afternoon.
Hundreds of messages about the fire have flooded into Newstalk ZB's Christchurch newsroom - with smoke visible from across the city.
Fire and Emergency say the clouds of smoke are coming from a controlled burn.
FENZ said the burn off is on Charteris Bay Rd towards Diamond Harbour.
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They said the bulk off the burn-off is now done and smoke should be diminishing.
A Diamond Harbour resident said the fire is on Loudon Farm - and they can see helicopters with monsoon buckets putting it out.