A large industrial fire in Christchurch has sent black smoke billowing across part of the city this afternoon.
The smoke is coming from a building in the eastern suburb of Bromley, sending black plumes of smoke through the area.
Fire and Emergency NZ say they are “responding to a large building fire in Maces Rd”. They were alerted just before 1pm.
A fire spokesperson told the Herald they have 10 trucks at the scene “working to bring the fire under control”.
Police are also on the scene, helping with traffic management.
Fire officials are warning people to stay away.
“If the smoke is impacting your property, please close all doors and windows. Please stay away from the area to allow our crews to safely extinguish this fire. We will provide an update soon.”
A worker at a neighbouring business, who asked not to be named, said the smoke had caused them to be evacuated.
“It was all pretty intense when it started, and it all happened very quickly,” she said.
“The smoke was pretty thick when it first started, but it seems like it’s gotten a bit better now.”
The worker said they’ve been evacuated where the wind is blowing the smoke away from them.
It comes after Fire and Emergency NZ posted an advisory to Christchurch residents regarding smoke in the area because of controlled burns in Canterbury today.
Smoke has been visible across parts of eastern and northern Christchurch as a result.
According to the advisory, the air around this location could be smoky.
“There is potential that people who are sensitive to smoke, such as those with heart or lung conditions, people who are pregnant, young children and the elderly may experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath or eye, nose and throat irritation,” said the advisory.
More to come.
Police found drugs, cash, an air rifle, and an air pistol during the searches.