Firefighters battle massive blaze at Whanganui timber yard

New ZealandUpdated

3 Mar, 2022 06:00 PM2 minutes to read

Firefighters are battling at massive blaze at Eastown Timber & Fencing. Video / Bevan Conley

Residents near the scene of a timber yard fire in Whanganui East are being asked to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut.

Firefighters are battling a blaze at Eastown Timber & Fencing.

Fire and Emergency NZ Whanganui group manager Aaron Summerhays said the fire started at about 6am on Friday morning and two buildings are in flames.

Four fire trucks are at the site and more are expected to arrive, including from Palmerston North.

The fire should be confined with no houses in danger, Summerhays said.

The fire started around 6am on Friday. Photo / Bevan Conley

There is an ambulance at the scene but it hasn’t had to treat anybody.

Police have blocked off surrounding streets with parts of Hakeke St, Holyoake St and Eastown Rd all closed.

A police spokesperson said the fire was under control but there was a large amount of smoke affecting the surrounding area.

Other members of the public are asked to avoid the area.

Photo / Bevan Conley

Don Tait lives next door to the Whanganui East Pool, with Eastown Timber on the far side.

He hadn’t heard the fire and was woken up by a knock on the door at about 6am.

“I didn’t feel it was going to get me, because the pool was next door – unless there were explosions,” he said.

The blaze can be seen around the city. Photo / Bevan Conley

The fire and smoke plume can be seen around Whanganui city.

Photo / Bevan Conley

Photo / Bevan Conley

– More to come