Two separate fires are threatening houses in North Canterbury prompting the evacuation of some residents.

A vegetation fire off Racecourse Road in Amberley is “well-involved.”

Multiple tankers and three helicopters are battling the large blaze a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said.

Police are closing off nearby roads and the public is being asked to stay away.

Residents along Racecourse Road have been evacuated.

The Hurunui District Council was urging affected residents to head to the Hurunui Library, Carters Rd Amberley for the time being.

“There will be further updates about an evacuation location as soon as possible.”

Another fire is burning in the Loburn area, where more helicopters have been deployed.

Pine trees off Loburn Whiterock Road are on fire and the blaze is threatening nearby houses.

At least four vegetation fires are burning and police are evacuating houses.

Eight fire trucks and three tankers are working on the fires which are estimated to cover about a square kilometre.

Conditions in both areas are extremely dry with temperatures at 3pm sitting at 33 degrees.

St John ambulances have been called to the scene as a precautionary measure.