A person has been airlifted to hospital in a serious condition as fire crews work to contain a blaze at a building in Timaru.
Emergency services were called to the building fire on High St in Parkside just before 9am.
Ten fire trucks – four from Timaru, three from St Andrews, two from Temuka and one from Washdyke – were called to the blaze.
Hato Hone St John said one ambulance, one rapid response unit, one operations manager, and one helicopter were at the scene.
A spokesperson said crews treated one person in a "serious condition", who was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.
Residents nearby described hearing "drums exploding" as smoke rose into the air. (Source: Supplied)
At around 9.50am, the building was still "well ablaze", and crews were working to contain it.
The building measured 30 by 40 metres.
Footage from the scene showed part of the property engulfed in flames, with black smoke rising into the air.
Nearby residents described hearing "drums exploding".
Road closures were in place, and the public was asked to avoid the area.
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