Firefighters are responding to a gas leak at a commercial property in Kaiteriteri, with the immediate area evacuated and cordons in place.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift supervisor Ange Munro says crews were alerted at 6.49am on Friday and initially responded with two fire trucks, one from Kaiteriteri and one from Motueka.
A second appliance was then sent from Motueka, along with a specialist appliance from Nelson.
“Fire crews then required further pumps from Māpua and Upper Moutere,” Ange says.
Ange says fire crews and police are working to make the scene safe.
They are asking people to stay well away from the Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Rd and Inlet Rd area and to follow the instructions of emergency services.
Assistant district commander Chris Best told RNZ that the leak appeared to be from external gas tanks.
Firefighters were working to ventilate buildings and clear gas from drains, but it could take several hours.
“It's a lovely day here and many people would usually head to the beach at Kaiteriteri, but for today we are asking them to choose another destination while we make the area safe again,” Chris says.
- With RNZ
