One person has been taken to hospital following the large fire at Pines Beach.

The fire was reported to emergency services just after 3pm and is still not contained.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said three helicopters and 18 fire crews were fighting the blaze, which had so far destroyed two sheds

A St John Ambulance spokesman said one patient was taken to Christchurch hospital in a moderate condition but no further details were available.

However, it’s understood to be from smoke inhalation.

A police spokeswoman said 26 properties have been evacuated by police at the northern end of Dunns Avenue, Pines Beach.

There is a police cordon at Dunns Ave and Kain Street.

Pines Beach resident Jayne Martin said “ it’s quite frightening watching monsoon buckets going over your house – seems a wee bit less smoke at the moment please keep away unless you’re a resident.”

Another Pines Beach resident Lynn was evacuated from her house at 4.30pm.

She told Chris Lynch “fire, ambulance, and police were doing a fantastic job keeping people safe.”

Lynn said there’s not as much smoke in the area as there was an hour ago, but there’s still plenty of helicopters in the air.