Newtown Fire: Unclear Whether Anyone Injured in 'Severe' Mansfield Street Blaze

Wellington, New Zealand — A large and intense fire broke out in the Newtown suburb of Wellington on Thursday evening, with emergency services still uncertain whether anyone was inside the burning building. The blaze, described by firefighters as 'pretty bad,' has drawn significant attention from local residents and authorities.

According to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) shift manager Chris Dalton, the fire was reported at 11:40 p.m. and had escalated to a 'third alarm' level by the time of the initial reports. At 1:00 a.m., the flames were still not under control, and firefighters were focused on containing the spread of the fire.

"That's what we're working on now," Dalton said, emphasizing the challenges posed by the older structures in the area. "It's an area where lots of houses are all built next to each other."

Currently, six fire appliances, a breathing apparatus tender, and a ladder truck are on the scene. The affected house is located just a few doors away from the Newtown fire station, adding to the urgency of the situation.

Residents in the area, including Newtown resident Shay Vaseneva, reported seeing firefighters working to secure the area with caution tape around 12:30 a.m. The house was clearly on fire, with multiple fire trucks and police cars present. "It looked like they were making sure the fire doesn't spread to the neighbors, obviously it must be unsafe inside," Vaseneva said.

The smoke and smell from the fire have been described as "pretty bad down the street from the house." FENZ has closed Mansfield Street and urged residents to stay away from the area. "If you are affected by the smoke, keep your doors and windows closed and stay inside," the agency advised.

As the fire continues to burn, the community is left in uncertainty about whether anyone was inside the building at the time of the incident. Firefighters remain on the scene, working tirelessly to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of the surrounding neighborhood.

With the area's history of older, closely packed homes, the risk of the fire spreading is a serious concern. This incident has once again highlighted the importance of fire safety and the need for continued investment in emergency response capabilities.

As the situation develops, local authorities and emergency services will provide further updates on the status of the fire and any potential impact on the community.