Fire engulfs two houses in Canterbury, person rescued

A person has been rescued from a fire engulfing two houses and threatening a third in Lyttelton this afternoon.

The large fire has led to evacuations of nearby buildings as a precaution.

Fire and Emergency NZ services were alerted to a person trapped in one of two houses on fire on Brittan Tce around 5.15pm.

The person was confirmed to be out.

"Upon arrival, crews discovered two houses well alight with another house being threatened," a Fire and Emergency spokesperson told 1News.

There were six fire engines, one command unit, one water tanker, plus another fire engine and large ladder responding.

Police were called to assist fire crews with evacuations of nearby buildings as a precaution, the spokesperson said.

"This is an active incident, so it has not been confirmed if the fire is contained yet.

"Fire and Emergency NZ are asking the public to stay away while from the area while the incident is ongoing."