Firefighters and police are at the Kingsgate Hotel in central
Dunedin after a large fire broke out this evening.
The blaze began about 8.30pm and thick smoke could be seen
billowing from the complex on Smith St, near the corner of
upper Stuart St, in central Dunedin.
An Otago Daily Times reporter said dozens of firefighters
were at the scene and were making their way through the
building.
The fire appeared to be largely out at 9pm, but there were
obvious signs of damage to at least two of the hotel's rooms,
including windows that had been blown out.
A crowd of more than 100 guests and onlookers had gathered
outside the hotel, and roads in the area have been cordoned
off by police.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.