Evacuations have occurred in Canterbury overnight as firefighters battle a large vegetation fire fanned by strong winds west of Christchurch.

Fire and Emergency NZ said the fire north of West Melton was reported around 9pm.

As of 12.05am on Monday, 14 trucks, tankers and support vehicles were at the scene, a spokesperson said.

They added that a caravan park in The Willows area had been evacuated, along with properties east of Thompsons Rd to McKays Rd.

"We will notify you if you need to evacuate either via door knock or an Emergency Mobile Alert."

Evacuees were being sent to the West Melton Community Centre. The Southbridge Hotel also offered free accommodation to evacuees.

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Lincoln Volunteer Fire Brigade, based 16km southeast of the fire, told residents that smoke from the fire was being carried downwind and that they should keep doors and windows shut.

"Thinking of the crews out there right now fighting against the wind."

The fire is understood to have started in vegetation in the riverbed before spreading to nearby pine trees.

MetService issued a strong wind watch for the area until 2am on Monday morning.

"North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning."

The blaze comes days after a large vegetation fire broke out in the Bridge Hill area, closing State Highway 73, leading to the evacuation of school camps and the destruction of an old Forestry Service hut.

The fire grew to nearly 1000 hectares in size but is now "largely controlled".

Additional reporting by Blair Norton