Dunedin building goes up in flames

Firefighters are still battling a fierce blaze at a panelbeaters in Dunedin tonight, but have managed to bring the fire under control.

Flames engulfed Bodyline Collison Panel and Paint in Wharf St at 8.51pm, where explosions were seen coming from inside the warehouse and two cars parked outside were well ablaze.

A Fire Service spokesman said the fire in the 20m by 45m warehouse was "well involved" when firefighters arrived.

Flames engulf Bodyline Collison Panel.

Several firefighters in breathing apparatus battled the blaze, with flames about 30m high exiting the building and black smoke billowing from the warehouse across Otago Harbour.

The roof was caving in and glass was smashing as firefighters with five fire trucks battled the blaze.

All persons have now been accounted for and a fire investigator will check the warehouse tomorrow.

Six fire trucks, an aerial unit and a command unit were used to bring the fire under control.

The firefighters are still on the scene as the fire has not been fully extinguished.