Police, Fire Service and other emergency services are attempting to control a fire on The Petone Esplanade in Lower Hutt, Wellington.
Eleven fire engines have been sent to the site of the blaze, on a section of The Petone Esplanade between Victoria Street and Te Puni Street.
Police are warning that commuters heading home will face lengthy delays as queues back up as far the Nauranga Gorge, several kilometres away.
They are asking drivers to avoid the area.
