Ammonia leak at Christchurch coolstore

File photo / NZ Herald

An ammonia leak at a Christchurch coolstore this morning was not as bad as first thought and has been now isolated, the Fire service says.

Emergency service were called to the Smarts Rd, Hornby building around 7.30am.

Spokesman Rewai Grace said the officer in charge started an evacuation of buildings nearby.

"Thankfully it was not as bad as first thought," he said.

A police spokesman said a cordon was put up around the building, however officers have since been stood down.

Mr Grace said the leak has been isolated.

- Herald Online staff