A large scrub fire burning in Canterbury remains out of control and uncontained

Multiple helicopters and aircraft are attacking the 535 hectare blaze near Lake Pearson from the air, with 15 vehicles in support.

All but 11 homes self-evacuated in Castle Hill Village last night, but the fire is still a safe distance from the settlement.

Incident Commander Dave Key told TVNZ a priority is to get State Highway 73 reopen as soon as possible.

He says multiple roads are patrolling the road, and extinguishing the blaze from either side.

MetService is predicting cooler temperatures and lighter winds in the area today.