House fire on Fitzgerald Avenue extinguished in central Christchurch
Monday 5 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 5 reports · updated In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Firefighters responded to a blaze at a single-storey home on Fitzgerald Avenue on Monday afternoon. The fire produced thick smoke that covered traffic and the central city before being extinguished. No injuries were reported, and three fire engines remained at the scene.
Key facts
5 facts
- Fire occurred at a single-storey house on Fitzgerald Avenue.
- The fire was reported at approximately 3.22pm on Monday.
- The property is located near the intersection with Worcester Street.
- No injuries were reported.
- No one was reported to be inside the house.
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
A single-storey house fire on Fitzgerald Avenue has been extinguished after producing thick smoke that billowed across central Christchurch. The blaze was reported at approximately 3.22pm on Monday. Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to the property near the Worcester Street intersection.
Emergency crews, including three or four fire engines and a ladder truck, attended the scene. Firefighters used breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze, which was described by a journalist as a "major house fire". By 4pm, firefighters were working from above using a ladder as the smoke began to subside.
Police cordoned off part of Fitzgerald Avenue, including the southbound lanes, which caused significant traffic delays. The smoke was visible across parts of the central city and the odour could be detected several kilometres away. There were no reports of anyone being inside the house or any injuries reported.
How it developed
- Mon 5 Oct, 4:13pmThe property is believed to be owned by GAQ Holdings Ltd, a company owned by Hamish Wright.
Where reports differ
- Reports differ on the number of fire engines sent to the scene, with some stating three and others stating at least four.
Compiled from reports by 1News, NZ Herald and The Press.