Firefighters at the scene of the Warehouse Stationery blaze in Hamilton. Photo / Hamilton News Live
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Fire fighters battled a large blaze at Warehouse Stationery in central Hamilton this morning.
Northern fire communications spokesperson Scott Osmond said crews were called out to the Ulster St, Whitiora blaze around 8.50am.
It's believed the fire began in a light-fitting and has progressed to the roof from there.
Senior Station Officer Mark Tinworth said the building was well ablaze when firefighters arrived.
He said the fire was mainly in the storage area, and was contained by firefighters who went inside with multiple hoses and breathing apparatus.
Firefighters cut holes in the roof to try to release more smoke.
The Warehouse Stationery building adjoins a Briscoes shop and both stores have been closed.
Staff from both retailers and onlookers milled around the scene of the fire.
Branch manager Alan Tate said there were half a dozen staff in store from 7am this morning when smoke was first noticed around 8.45am.
He said that's when emergency services were called and staff evacuated.
A portion of Liverpool Street at the back of the building was cordoned off.
Everyone inside the building is reported to have made it out safely.
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