Major fire engulfs Roslyn scout hall

Video: Footage shows emergency services respond to a major fire at the Roslyn Scout Group Hall in Dunedin as thick smoke is seen billowing across the surrounding suburb. Fire appliances and police vehicles are visible at the scene. (Supplied / thisquality / Mereana Patuwai)

Fire crews have spent the afternoon battling a large blaze at a scout hall in Dunedin, with thick smoke prompting warnings for nearby residents to stay indoors.

The fire broke out shortly before 3.40pm at the Roslyn Scout Group Hall on School Street in the Kaikorai area. thisquality understands a fire crew happened to be driving nearby and noticed smoke rising from the building.

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Image: Smoke drifts across the Roslyn suburb as emergency services respond to a major fire at the Roslyn Scout Group Hall. The photo was taken from behind the Fresh Choice supermarket in Roslyn during the operation. (Supplied / thisquality / Mereana Patuwai)

When crews went to investigate, they found the two-storey hall already well alight. The fire was quickly escalated, with multiple appliances responding to the scene as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

Due to the age and condition of the building, crews have been forced to fight the fire from outside, while smoke continued to billow across the suburb and over parts of the city.

A mobile emergency alert was sent to residents in the Kaikorai area advising people to remain indoors and close windows and doors because of the smoke.

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Image: Emergency services respond to a major fire near the Roslyn Scout Group Hall as police cordons and fire appliances block the road during the operation. (Supplied / thisquality / Mereana Patuwai)

Police were later called to assist with traffic and scene management. Stuart Street was closed between Kaikorai Valley Road and Highgate, with cordons put in place as emergency services worked. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

There were no immediate reports of anyone inside the building at the time of the fire.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known, and investigations are expected to follow once the fire is extinguished.

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