Police have confirmed a house fire on Fitzgerald Avenue in central Christchurch is being treated as suspicious.

The fire broke out at about 3.30pm on Monday, prompting a significant response from Fire and Emergency crews.

A police spokesperson told ChrisLynchMedia.com enquiries into the circumstances of the fire are ongoing.

Multiple fire crews attended the scene, with parts of Fitzgerald Avenue blocked while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

Smoke from the property could be seen from several parts of central Christchurch.