Emergency services have been called to a large vegetation fire in Southbridge this afternoon.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson told Chris Lynch Media 10 trucks have been deployed to the fire just after 3pm, along with 2 helicopters.

The fire is now over 30 hectares in size, and is one of a number of vegetation fires reported in the Canterbury region today.

A witness told Chris Lynch Media the fire was located on Main Rakaia Road, just north of the river off SH1.

“It was just heating up and gathering momentum while I was there, one fire engine arrived and did what they could but the shed was already well engulfed with another large looking shed just behind it in the firing line.

“I left as I could see they were going to have to close the road, driving through the smoke was only a few metres visibility and got dark quickly, have not experienced anything like that before.”

Fire and Emergency crews are also fighting at a vegetation fire in Springfield.

Nine trucks and two helicopters supported by heavy machinery are fighting the blaze, which is approximately 10 hectares in size.

Crews are working to contain the fire and bring it under control.

The public is being urged to check any burn piles. Hot windy weather is the perfect condition for old fires to reignite and escape.