“I can confirm it’s a kitchen fire at a building on Stanley Street in Queenstown. Firefighting efforts have been both internal and external to the building and included removing the roof,” he said.
“A nearby building was evacuated as a precaution due to smoke.”
The public has been asked to stay clear of the area.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has said that due to the fire on Stanley St, the road is closed at Ballarat St.
Smoke from the Speight's Ale House fire can be seen across the town. Photo / James Allan
Motorists are being asked to follow the directions of emergency services on-site or avoid the area.
Earlier this morning, eye-witness James Allan said the fire started “pretty small” and multiple alarms were triggered as a result of smoke.
“Then suddenly poof, the whole building just burst into flames and it’s now pretty significant,” he said.
“This is in the centre of the city and the entire town’s stuck. Buses and trucks unable to move, startled tourists and locals who have been evacuated from hotels and apartments just looking on.”
It is unclear if it is just the Speight’s Ale House on fire, or if other buildings are also affected.
Allan said there were upwards of 20 fire officers seen attending to the fire.
“The fire is huge now, and smoke can be seen across the whole town,” Allan said.
