Four fire crews have been called to the blaze. Photo / Facebook
Four fire crews have been called to the blaze. Photo / Facebook
A firefighter has been taken to hospital for "precautionary reasons only", following a large blaze at a Hokitika high school, a spokesman said.
Police are warning the public to stay away from the immediate area as the smoke is toxic.
Tasman District Acting Senior Sergeant Malcolm York said people neededto move away from the site as large plumes of smoke are said to be toxic.
A firefighter has already been taken to hospital, for what was said to be "precautionary reasons", a Fire Service spokesman said.
Mr York could not reveal any other details about what may be burning inside the two-storey administration block. The roof of the school's hall is also ablaze.
A police statement released this afternoon said: "Local residents who are experiencing smoke entering their properties are requested to move away from the smoke.''
Fire crews are still battling the large blaze at a high school in Hokitika.
Seven crews are now at the scene at Westland High School, on Hampden Street.