Fire contained but crews will work into night

A fierce blaze in a Dunedin scout hall which prompted emergency smoke danger alerts across the city has been contained by firefighters after a five-hour battle.

An update at 8.50pm said the fire which ripped through the Roslyn scout hall was under control and a warning to stay inside amid "significant smoke" had been lifted.

Firefighters were still at the scene and a heavy digger had started to demolish the front of the building and expose remaining areas of fire.

"This will make it possible for firefighters to finish dampening down the interior. This work will continue into the night," Fenz said.

Road closures were still in place, and the public was urged to avoid the area.

An investigation into the cause of the fire had begun, Fenz said.

The Otago Regional Council was on site setting up booms to reduce the amount of contaminated water running off the site of the fire.

Multiple fire appliances including an aerial unit have been battling the blaze.

Eagle-eyed firefighters returning to the Roslyn Fire Station after a job noticed smoke at 3.35pm.

The building in School St was "fully involved" and burning on both levels..

Whey they arrived at the fire flames could be seen, prompting a call for further appliances from Lookout Point, St Kilda and Willowbank to attend, a Fire and Emergency NZ spokeswoman said.

‘‘Our fire truck was actually driving around in the area and were the first ones to see this incident.

"The fire has gone to second alarm, which means more resources were required.’’

She said the two-level building was ‘‘fully involved’’, but there was not believed to be anyone inside.

Witnesses at the scene reported seeing "a lot of flames" as the fire spread in the wooden structure.

Stuart St was blocked because of the fire, police said.

Cordons were in place on Stuart Street from Kaikorai Valley Road to Highgate.

- Allied Press