A fire that broke out in an abandoned building in the centre of Christchurch late this afternoon has been brought under control.
Firefighters enter a burning building in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
The blaze in the four-storey warehouse closed part of Lichfield and Tuam streets, two of the city's busiest thoroughfares.
Seven fire engines, including one with a cherry picker, were used to battle the flames.
Fire crews will stay there overnight to dampen down hotspots.
Investigators will be at the scene tomorrow to try to find out what happened.
A Fire Service spokesperson said he was not aware if anybody was inside the building when the fire started.
The building is close to large office blocks but firefighters managed to prevent the fire from spreading any further.
It is in what's described as a rabbit warren of abandoned buildings in Sol Square, an entertainment district before the earthquakes.
Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
Sol Square on fire in #Chch. #eqnz. pic.twitter.com/wn7LO1hfgn
— Erin Victoria (@erinvictoria) July 14, 2016
Good bit of smoke coming from this building #Christchurch #fire pic.twitter.com/rAHLqV7ljF
— Henry Rounce (@Henry_Rounce) July 14, 2016
Guy behind me at bus exchange is explaining to tourists why we have so many derelict buildings pic.twitter.com/tMr21IBryl
— Maramara kēhua (@pharmacopaeia) July 14, 2016
