Fire and Emergency New Zealand is responding to a large building fire on Ellis St in Frankton, Hamilton.
The Waikato Herald understands the fire is at Frankton Motor WOF & Car Repair Panel Beater.
Billowing black smoke could be seen from both the Hamilton District Court house and Waikato Hospital.
Fire and Emergency said multiple crews were working to extinguish the blaze.
“Crews arrived around 11.30am. The fire was well-involved.”
Fire and Emergency said it responded with 12 appliances and 35 firefighters are working to extinguish the 20m by 30m fire.
“Ellis Rd is closed at present and we are asking the public to stay away.”
Cars have access to Duke St but cannot turn left on to Ellis St.
“It’s too early to determine what started the fire,” Fire and Emergency said.
A fire investigator would be involved, it said. The fire was in a commercial building.
Police said they were notified of the incident.
”Police are in attendance but Fire and Emergency are leading the response, so queries have to be directed to them,” they said.
Hato Hone St John said it was notified of a fire incident on Ellis St at 11.30am.
“At present, our assistance has not been required,” it said.
Waikato Regional Council said its incident response team was on-site.
An employee working in a nearby building, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was not aware of the fire until she was told about it by a colleague.
She said “pretty thick black smoke” could be seen from her building. She could also hear “little explosion sounds”.
”[We were told] there was no immediate danger to our building. No one was really worried.”
The fire happened close to the Hamilton City Council dog pound.
A council spokesperson said they assessed the situation.
“[It] has been determined that there is currently no threat to Animal Education and Control from the nearby fire. All animals are safe and well, and staff are continuing to monitor the situation.”
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