KEY POINTS:
Manawatu firefighters are battling a fire at a two-storey building in Sanson, 24km northwest of Palmerston North.
The building, Woodlands Lodge was "fully engulfed", fire communications shift manager, Mike Wanoa said.
Ten appliances were fighting the fire, which started when a gas bottle exploded inside the building - backpackers accommodation which has a restaurant - after 3pm.
Because of a shortage of water, fire crews were using water from Sanson School swimming pool, Mr Wanoa said.
Firefighters from Feilding, Marton, Linton Army Camp, Ohakea air base, and Halcombe were still there "working very hard".
There were no reports of anyone inside the building.
- NZPA
