Emergency staff say the public should avoid the centre of Waipu due to a risk of asbestos.
A fire on Sunday morning at the Waipu Café and Deli has created a risk of asbestos for residents in the centre of the Northland town.
Daniel Nicholson, a shift manager at Fire and Emergency, warned the public to stay away.
"The priority this morning is warning everyone that there is a possible risk of asbestos, and everyone to remain indoors and avoid the smoke, closing all their windows," he said.
The town centre is closed between Nova Scotia Dr and St Marys Rd, and is expected to reopen around 1pm.
There were 10 crews in attendance at the scene, where there have been no reports of injury.
The café say on their Facebook page that their neighbours Harker Herbals and Waipu Pharmacy were also destroyed in the blaze.
"We are grateful for all of fire fighters of Waipu/Ruakaka/Whangarei areas for their efforts in fighting lasts nights tragedy in our community," the café's post said.
Chloe Lynn, who witnessed the fire, said it was an "absolute tragedy".
"No words, I am heart broken to see our loved businesses destroyed. Never think this would happen to anyone let alone my town," Ms Lynn wrote on Facebook. "Thoughts, prayers and love to everyone affected".
Mr Nicholson said when emergency services arrived at the building, it was already engulfed in flames.
It is too early to suggest a cause of the fire, but investigators will be on the scene on Sunday.
There is also a power outage in the area.
Newshub.
