Smoke billows from the single apartment fire in the Pukehinau flats. Photo: Oscar Burgin
The fire that broke out in a block of council-owned apartments in Wellington has been extinguished.
Fire and Emergency (FENZ) say they were alerted to the fire at 2.33pm and arrived on the scene on Willis Street at about 3pm.
Residents of the eight-storey building in the Pukehinau flats lined the streets after the blaze broke out on the third floor.
Fire at 320 Willis Street. Photo: Tessa Guest
FENZ incident controller Matt Franklin said the fire was contained to the room of origin, and that it was now out.
"There's a lot of smoke in the building so we're working to clear the building of smoke.
"We've searched all floors and all the tenants have been evacuated."
Franklin said that he did not believe anyone had been hurt in the incident.
Some of the residents are now returning to their homes.
A fire has broken out at 320 Willis Street. Photo: Mary Argue
Eight fire engines, an aerial and a command unit were in attendance at the scene.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau responded to the news of the fire in a statement.
"It's heartbreaking to face another fire just two years after the devastating tragedy at Loafers Lodge. As the current situation is still unfolding, our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of residents. We are working closely with emergency services and will provide all necessary support to those affected," she said.
Charitable trust Te Toi Mahana runs the flats on behalf of the council
Surrounding roads were cordoned off.
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