A vegetation fire has jumped across a central Canterbury state highway, leaving it partially blocked.
Fire and Emergency said crews responded to reports of trees on fire on State Highway 77 near the intersection with Davies Rd, between Glentunnel and Windwhistle, about 10am.
They said the fire started in one block of trees, then jumped the highway to another section of trees.
The blaze has been contained to a 100m by 30m area.
Crews from Colgate, Darfield, Kirwee, and Hororata are fighting the fire.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says stop/go traffic management, where road users are asked to stop on demand, is in place.
People are asked to take care and to expect delays when travelling through this area.
A strong winds warning is in place between Fairlie and Ōmārama.
Motorists were earlier advised to take extra care, especially those in lighter or high-sided vehicles or motorcycles.