India, Oct. 5 -- A large fire erupted at a single-storey building on Fitzgerald Avenue in central Christchurch on Monday afternoon, sending a heavy column of black smoke across the city centre.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) responded to the incident, while police cordoned off part of the surrounding area as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

Fire breaks out in central Christchurch

FENZ was alerted to the fire at around 3:22 pm near the intersection of Fitzgerald Avenue and Hereford Street. The building, described as a single-storey weatherboard property, was reportedly well alight when emergency crews arrived.

Three fire engines and a ladder truck were sent to the scene. FENZ later confirmed that the fire ha...