The fire in a large pile of discarded tyres north of Christchurch has now been contained.
A picture of the blaze this afternoon. Photo: Supplied / Hurunui District Council
About 45 firefighters from across North Canterbury are working on the blaze near Amberley which was reported just after 3pm today.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said anyone down wind from the blaze should keep their doors and windows shut as there was a lot of toxic smoke.
It's understood the pile is the same one which caught on fire in 2018.
The Canterbury Regional Council and Hurunui District Council have been working to remove it since then.
Last month a director of one of the companies which failed to remove the tyres from Racecourse Road, Peter Benden was fined $36,000 and required to pay $20,000 towards the costs of removing the tyre pile.
Public health warning
Canterbury DHB's Community and Public Health unit has issued a public health warning for smoke from the fire.
"There is potential that people who are sensitive to smoke - such as those with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women, young children and the elderly - may experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath or eye, nose and throat irritation," the unit said in a statement.
"The main contaminant from fires involving tyres is sulphur dioxide which can cause respiratory problems ... It may cause coughing, wheezing, phlegm and asthma attacks. The effects are worse when you are exercising. Sulphur dioxide has been linked to cardiovascular disease.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink said exposure to smoke could worsen pre-existing health conditions such as asthma and heart disease.