Large Palmerston North fire contained at warehouse, locals warned to keep windows shut

A commercial building fire in Milson, Palmerston North reached a fourth alarm overnight, with 12 fire appliances attending. Photo / Palmerston North Fire Brigade

Firefighters have battled through the night to contain a fire in a commercial building in Palmerston North, with some so fatigued they had to be checked over by ambulance staff.

The fire broke out in on John F Kennedy Drive in Milson around 6.30pm, and was already well ablaze when the first crews arrived.

Everyone was safely evacuated, but the fire proved hard to control, reaching a fourth alarm at its height.

Twelve fire appliances and seven support vehicles from the Manawatū area attended, with further fire engines from Whanganui, Paraparaumu and Porirua, Fire and Emergency central shift manager Jill Webley said.

Webley said by 5.30am the blaze had been “largely contained”.

“At the moment they’re in overhaul, which is probably going to continue for part of the day.”

In a 4am update, the Palmerston North Fire Brigade said multiple crews were still on site tackling the blaze.

“This fire is proving hard to control with high fuel loading of various types, large industrial shelving and the type of building construction making it difficult to reach the main areas of fire.”

JFK Drive would be shut for “some time” between Rangitikei Line and Fairs Rd in both directions, and commuters were asked to avoid the area this morning.

“Reminder if you’re downwind of smoke, to shut your windows and leave air conditioning off and if you feel at danger to please call 111.”

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said this morning it was too early to determine a cause of the fire, but a fire investigator was on site.

Several firefighters were assessed by Hato Hone St John staff, due to the fatigue experienced, given the nature and duration of the large fire.

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