Watch: Industrial fire sends smoke billowing across Christchurch

5:17 pm on 7 April 2025

The large fire at an industrial complex in Christchurch has been contained and has not spread beyond the building it started in.

Fire and Emergency was alerted to the blaze in the suburb of Bromley shortly before 1pm this afternoon and found the building engulfed in flames.

Thick black smoke can be seen pouring out of the industrial site in the suburb of Bromley

Thick black smoke can be seen pouring out of the industrial site in the suburb of Bromley. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

Thick black smoke could be seen pouring out of the industrial site from much of the city.

Fire and Emergency assistant commander Dave Key said eight appliances, including two aerial trucks, were still working to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters are battling a large industrial fire in Christchurch.

Firefighters are battling a large industrial fire in Bromley, Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

The first crews that arrived at the fire had been able to prevent it from spreading further, Key said.

"The first arriving crews were quite effective in cutting the fire off in the middle of the building to stop it spreading towards Maces Road. But ... it's still active so our efforts are concentrating on ... putting the fire out and stopping it spreading. Then we can move on to working a bit closer with the tenants and try to establish where the origin of the fire was."

Nearby residents are advised to close their doors and windows.

Key wanted those with elderly neighbours near the fire area to check in on them to ensure they also have windows and doors closed.

Thick black smoke can be seen pouring out of the industrial site in the suburb of Bromley

FENZ is advising anyone affected by smoke in the area to close their doors and windows. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

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