Firefighters have called for a longer ladder truck from Dunedin to ensure a major fire in Invercargill's historic First Presbyterian Church is completely extinguished.
Fire broke out early this morning in the void between the ceiling and the roof.
Acting Southland assistant area commander Neil Ladbrook said when five appliances and more than 30 firefighters arrived about 5.40am, smoke could be seen billowing from the brick building, although there were no flames.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered through doors on the east and north, climbing more than 20m into the ceiling area - a task made difficult because the church was being renovated, he said, with some staircases missing and scaffolding in place.
Mr Ladbrook said the main fire appeared to be under control, but it was difficult to tell whether others were still burning because of the size and shape of the void, which was criss-crossed with wooden rafters.