State Highway 2 closed as crews battle blaze at Wairoa

A stretch of State Highway 2 is closed as firefighters battle a blaze at a commercial property in Wairoa.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand received a call at 8.38am, which reported a fridge fire at the central Wairoa building, shift manager Alison Munn told the Herald.

The fire is well involved and at second alarm.

SH2 from Queen St to Black St is closed “so our crews can safely work at extinguishing the building fire”, Munn said

“We just ask that the public avoid the area.”

NZTA Waka Kotahi said the shop fire is on Lucknow St and has closed the stretch of road either side.

“Vehicles are being detoured via Lucknow St and Locke St. The detour is suitable for all vehicles.”

Footage from social media shows thick smoke pouring out the top of a liquor store.

Munn said crews from Nūhaka and Wairoa are in attendance, with further teams from Mahia, Tuai, and Gisborne responding to the scene.

A specialist aerial ladder is on its way from Napier, she said.

No injuries have been reported.