A major fire has broken out this afternoon (9 Mar) at an industrial facility, reported to be Freight Haulage, on Lake Street, off Bluff Road.

A major fire at Lake Street, off Bluff Road this afternoon (9 Mar). Video: Carina Murdoch

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) confirmed they had elevated the fire to an Alarm Four level and deployed eleven appliances, from Invercargill and Bluff, to the scene.

A FENZ spokesperson said the services Alarm levels relate to the resources required and that level four was pretty serious.

FENZ has also mobilised a command unit to the scene.

Environment Southland and Health Board representatives have also been called in.

FENZ was first called at 4.24pm after an alarm activation and multiple 111 calls were received.

The first appliance arrived 4 minutes later to find a large 50m x 30m storage building well alight.

Meanwhile Invercargill City Council reported they had evacuated staff and animals from their Animal Care Facility, also on Lake Street, in order to ensure their safety.

State Highway 1 was also closed between Ellis Road and Frome Street. A detour remains in place.