Fire services dampen down Timaru Port blaze

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Fire crews are continuing to dampen down a large fire at the Timaru Port.

The blaze started around 4pm yesterday at the Sanford Limited's cold store.

The company believes the blaze was started by machinery malfunction.

At its height, seven fire appliances battled the fire which has significantly destroyed the 150 by 100 metre building.

Fire Communications shift manager Andrew Norris said they had crews there most of the night, dampening down hot spots.

Mr Norris said a fire safety investigator will be on the scene from first light to assess the likely cause.