People in Palmerston North have been warned to stay indoors and keep their windows closed, as firefighters battle a large fire in the old Fitzherbert bar.
Photos posted online showed flames and a large cloud of smoke rising on Ferguson Street, in the city centre.
The blaze is substantial, and started about 5:15pm, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) spokesperson told RNZ.
"The fire is producing a large amount of smoke so please avoid the area, and if you live nearby close your windows and doors and stay inside if possible to avoid the smoke," they said
FENZ safety alerts were sent out to Palmerston North residents as far away as the suburb of Highbury, on the opposite side of the city, advising people to stay indoors, and also to consider turning off their air conditioning and heat pumps.
Photo: Supplied
The empty building had been baracaded off long before the fire. Photo: Supplied / Clare Mcilhatton
Eight fire trucks, a command unit and support unit were at the scene, at the old Fitzherbert Tavern.
Flames also appeared to be rising from part of the building that houses a Super Liquor store.
The Fitz opened in 1966, and was known for its raucous atmosphere and sticky floors. It had been boarded up since it closed in 2008.
Photo: Supplied / Clare Mcilhatton
Photo: Supplied - Tracey Turner
In August 2024 Stuff reported the building was to be removed, but there were no plans at the time for developing the site.
Photo: Supplied/ Mike Dixon
FENZ told RNZ it could not yet confirm if there was asbestos present in the building.
The fire broke out in a large building on Ferguson Drive, Palmerston North, opposite a Pak'n Save supermarket and petrol station. Photo: Supplied - Greg Olsen
Photo: Supplied/ Mike Dixon
Photo: Supplied/ Mike Dixon
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