Fire and Emergency crews remain at the scene of a house fire off Fitzgerald Avenue in central Christchurch.

The first call was received at about 3.20pm.

Fire and Emergency Southern shift manager Lynn Crosson said the house was already well ablaze when the first appliance arrived.

No one was inside the property.

Nearby roads have been blocked and members of the public are being asked to stay well away while crews continue their work.

The fire has now been brought under control, but crews are expected to remain at the scene for some time.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known.

Smoke can be seen from across parts of Christchurch.