The fire service has extinguished a fire at a backpackers in the city centre of Rotorua.
Small amount of smoke could be seen from Rock Solid Backpackers in Hinemoa St as staff and its occupants congregated safely across the road about 4.30pm.
Backpacker staff member Sione Ma'afu said they were unaware of the fire until the smoke alarm sounded.
"We were just going about our normal day when all of a sudden the alarms started blaring and we were told to evacuated.
"We didn't smell any smoke or see fire beforehand so I wouldn't have a clue how it started."
