Multiple crews have been called to a fire in Eyrewell on the north side of the Waimakariri River.

Fire and Emergency Shift Manager Simon Lyford told chrislynchmedia.com a member of the public saw the blaze from Old West Coast Road and phoned immediately at 6.58am.

He said crews from Oxford, Cust and Swannanoa were initially called to the dense scrub fire, which is about 200 by 200 metres.

Two helicopters have been sent to the scene, and a third tanker from Darfield has also been called in.

Lyford said the service was grateful for the fast action of the man who reported the fire.