Canterbury firefighters have been fighting two large fires today.

A scrub fire took hold near Christchurch Airport, with nine appliances sent to the scene.

The fire started on Pound Rd about 2.30pm

Rural fire services and the airport's fire team assisted the Fire Service in fighting the blaze.

In Fernside, about 5km west of Rangiora, a large pile of sawdust and timber caught fire.

At least eight fire trucks were battling the blaze.

A helicopter also assisted. The fire started at about 3pm. 

A Fire Service spokesman said it was not yet known how either fire had started, although it was "a very hot day".

Meanwhile, a derelict building caught fire in Christchurch's city centre tonight, the Fire Service said.

Firefighters were called to the partially-demolished Holy Grail  building, located on the corner of Colombo and Gloucester Streets just after 9.30 pm.

A Fire Service spokesman said there was not thought to be anyone in the building.

- © Fairfax NZ News