A firefighter has been treated for smoke inhalation while battling a large scrub fire in rural Canterbury on Monday.
Emergency services were called to a blaze near the intersection of Goulds and Leeston Rds in Selwyn about 2.15pm.
A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said three appliances, three tankers and a helicopter were working to put out the blaze.
Leeston Rd is closed and diversions are place while fire crews battle to bring the blaze under control.
Two ambulances have been deployed to treat the firefighter who is also understood to have asthma.
There is a large amount of smoke in the air around the area.
A police spokesperson said the blaze started after a vehicle fire quickly spread to nearby dry grass and scrub.
"Due to smoke the road has been closed and diversions are in place," the spokesperson said.
"Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible."
Most of Canterbury is currently under a total fire ban as the dry conditions and high summer temperatures continue to push the fire risk to extreme levels.
There is a total fire ban across the Selwyn, Hurunui and Waimakariri districts as well as the Christchurch City Council area including Banks Peninsula.
The ban means fire permits will not be given in these areas.
