Major fire in Upper Hutt shopping area

A fire in the Upper Hutt has caused extensive damage to two buildings on the main street.

The building is owned by Trentham City Limited. Director Lance Cottam said a shopper heard staff running out of the building saying a heater next to the couch in the staff room had started the fire.

He said insurance assessors would be at the site soon.

The company has recently built a new mall and cinema complex in town but they were not damaged, Mr Cottam said.

Mayor Wayne Guppy said eight fire engines attended the fire that closed off the main street this morning.

"There was chaos in the CBD and a huge amount of smoke that has permeated through the town," Mr Guppy said.

He said the fire has likely gutted the shop.

Local fire fighters are still at the site.