KEY POINTS:
Firefighters have brought a major warehouse fire under control near Palmerston North, but will continue their operations throughout the night.
Palmerston North chief fire officer Rodger Calder said the fire service was alerted to the fire at the Brandlines warehouse just after 5pm today.
Eight fire engines and six water tankers attended the scene, at Walkers Road in Longburn, 5km west of Palmerston North.
The 80m by 30m building was in danger of collapsing, so officers were fighting the blaze from outside.
At 7.30pm fightfighters had to withdraw to a safe distance as "aerosol missiles" were exploding out of the building.
Mr Calder said later tonight that although the fire was contained, the building was unsafe and no personnel would be entering it tonight.
As yet there was no indication of what had caused the fire and Fire Safety officers would be investigating.
Two fire appliances were to remain at the scene overnight to continue firefighting operations and the scene would be re-evaluated in the morning.
Brandlines is an importer and marketer of fast moving consumer goods, confectionery and groceries.
It was formerly known as Sweetline.
- NZPA
