Scrub fire breaks out near Chch river

Smoke from a scrub fire on the banks of a Christchurch river could be seen across the city's eastern suburbs yesterday.

Firefighters were called to the blaze near the Heathcote River, near Long St in Woolston, about 3.40pm on Sunday.

The fire was in an area known as the "island".

No homes were damaged and there were no reports of injuries.

Fire and Emergency NZ said on social media five ground crews and helicopter were needed to battle the blaze.