Asbestos warning over Christchurch blaze

People were last night warned to stay away from a spectacular central Christchurch fire because of a potential asbestos danger.

Firefighters were called to the Allen St site, used by campervan rental company Wicked Campers, about 5.30pm.

Fire Service spokesman Andrew Norris said no-one was injured in the blaze, but a decontamination unit was on standby last night because the building's roof may have contained asbestos.

"It's just a precaution, but stay clear of the area if you are not living down there. If you do live down there, keep your windows and doors closed," he said.

Smoke spread across nearby Manchester and Madras streets.

Both streets were closed, disrupting peak-hour traffic, which was diverted. They were reopened by 7pm, but Allen St was still closed late last night.

The blaze was brought under control by about 6pm, but firefighters were monitoring the badly damaged warehouse.

Senior station officer Mike Bowden said there were LPG cylinders and cars in the building. The public were asked to stay clear because of the possible presence of asbestos.

Norris said that if it was confirmed asbestos was present, firefighters and equipment would be decontaminated.

The Christchurch City Council would put out a warning if there was a threat to health over a wider area, he said.

Fire investigators and the CIB visited the site last night, but the cause of the fire was not known.

- © Fairfax NZ News