A large fire has broken out at the historic McKenzie and Willis building in Christchurch’s CBD tonight.
Fire Service southern communications shift manager Karl Patterson says the building was “well ablaze” and eight appliances were at the scene.
The fire broke out about 9.30pm in the earthquake-damaged building on High Street in the CBD, which used to house the Globe Café.
Another fire has also broken out at a disused factory on Moorhouse Ave just after 10pm, where four appliances are attending.
Mr Patterson says the McKenzie Willis fire is large.
“The High Street one is a biggie.”
3 News reporter Jessica Rowe was at the scene this evening who said the fire was now contained.
“It seems like they’ve got it under control. When we first arrived here there was a large collapse, we could see people standing by running from the area. It was very loud.”
People in Christchurch are sending 3 News photos of the burning McKenzie and Willis building and others are posting photos on Twitter.
Thomas Mould saw the fire and tweeted about it.
“Sad to see the old Globe Café go up in flames, it’s where I had my first coffee.”
Mike Hewson also tweeted about it.
“The entire wood back to McKenzie and Willis building just came crashing down as Fire Brigade finish putting out the fire.”
3 News
source: newshub archive
