Large blaze engulfs hall in Petone

File photo / APN

Fire fighters will work through the night to bring under control a large blaze which has engulfed an abandoned school hall in Lower Hutt tonight.

Eighteen fire engines are now at the fire, which has been burning since 7.40pm.

The school hall, which measures 1600 square metres, is at the former Petone Technical College campus.

Fire Service central communications shift manager Jan Wills says the fire is still going.
"[Fire crews are] probably going to be there all night."

It is not known how the fire started, she says.

Earlier, Ms Wills said the blaze was "well involved through the roof" when crews arrived.

The property is owned by Ryman Healthcare, which plans to build a retirement village on the land.