Firefighters are tackling a large blaze at a McDonald's in Upper Hutt.
A Fire Service spokesman says the Silverstream McDonald's on Fergusson Drive is well ablaze.
Four fire appliances are at the scene.
A McDonald's spokesman said the fire was reported early this afternoon.
"The restaurant was evacuated and there were no injuries to customers or staff. The Fire Service is now in attendance.
"At this stage there are no further details to share."
Shaun Williams was at work just down the road at Silverstream Panelbeaters when the blaze began.
"I came out and there was just one fire engine there and I saw smoke coming out. It just started getting way worse quite quick. Probably in about five minutes the whole thing was up in flames."
The flames were rising above a Mobil Service station next door.
"It sounded like a gas pipe went and it was all on," Me Williams said.
Another fire engine arrived and then another as the fire started getting out of control.
Mr Williams said staff working in the McDonald's said the blaze started in the roof.
He said it was just smoke at first but then the orange flames emerged.
Traffic was stopped on the road outside, although it has now re-opened.
Restaurant staff said they weren't allowed to comment.
Organisers of the hīkoi mō te Tiriti promoted a switch from the general roll.