A suspected chemical fire has forced a number of evacuations in Timaru this morning.
Around 40 firefighters are at the scene of the chemical leak at a commercial premises in the Heaton St-North St area of the Canterbury town, while specialist hazard crews are also one site. They were called in around 5.30am.
The building is thought to be a metal coating plant with numerous chemicals held inside.
"We thought we had a large fire burning but it would appear to be possibly either a small fire burning in conjuction with, or just a chemical reaction inside the building with some of the products they store there," Andrew Norris of the Fire Service southern communications centre said.
"We have a command unit set up on site, and they're familiar with all the products stored there, and they've got specialist from all different agencies assisting.
"What we're doing, because we're treating it as a hazmat job, crews are kitting up in their chemical suits and we've currently got extra staff responding from Christchurch to Timaru just to supplement all the gear there."
Roads around the area have been cordoned off by police, and a number of houses were evacuated.
An evacuation point has been established at The Trinity Church on College Rd.
