Police are working to determine the cause of a large fire that broke out in an abandoned building in Wellington central on Sunday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the large blaze at about 2:30pm after reports of smoke coming from the building near Swan Lane.
Black smoke billowed across Cuba St while Wellingtonians covered their faces with clothing as the wind sent smoke and ash across the street.
Multiple Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) appliances responded to the large blaze on the top floor of a building, which now appears to be mostly out.
A police spokesperson said staff are assisting FENZ in containing the scene and managing traffic.
Police are speaking to people who were in the area at the time to determine the cause of the fire.
The spokesperson said the road is closed where Ghuznee St intersects with Cuba St and Taranaki St.
"Foot traffic and motorists in the area are being diverted and are advised to avoid the area."
