A person has been taken to Christchurch hospital in a serious condition after a fire at a Shirley apartment.

A Fire and Emergency spokesman said they received multiple calls to the apartment fire which started just after 10PM.

The property, opposite The Palms Shopping Centre, was well ablaze by the time crews arrived.

Four appliances attended the scene including two from Anzac station and two from Christchurch City Station.

A St John spokesman said three people were injured.

One person was transported to hospital in serious condition.

A neighbour said the occupants were “all safe from my knowledge.”

“Other neighbours were all out helping and supporting them.

“My apartment wasn’t affected. But I feel so much for the family. The fire spread so fast.”

The cause of the blaze is not yet known.

A fire investigator will be at the scene on Wednesday morning.