Multiple emergency crews are responding to a fire at a block of shops in Linwood.

Fire and Emergency shift manager Alex Norris told chrislynchmedia.com crews were called to the intersection of Olliviers Road and Cashel Street shortly before 8pm.

Two fire appliances from Christchurch City Station were initially dispatched before two additional crews were called from Spreydon and Woolston.

Norris said multiple properties within the complex were involved in the fire and crews were working to bring the blaze under control.

Police were assisting with traffic management in the area.

A witness at the scene said they believed the fire may have started in one of the commercial kitchens within the complex. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed.

Orion contractors were also called to the scene.