Investigator and fire crews remain overnight at Lower Shotover blaze site

A fire investigator is on the scene of a fire on the outskirts of Queenstown this evening.

The blaze on Lower Shotover Road took hold around 2.15pm, Fire and Emergency New Zealand says.

Fire trucks were directed to the rural property after emergency services received multiple calls from members of the public.

A FENZ spokesperson says initial reports were confused and referenced “a house", "a barn", and "a shed” on fire.

When firefighters en route from Arrowtown and Frankton saw significant amounts of smoke in the sky reinforcements were pulled in from Queenstown and Alexandra.

On arrival, a fire was “well involved” in a 20 metre by 20 metre outbuilding.

Firefighters worked to put out the fire, which was contained by 3.50pm.

Gas canisters were then discovered within the building, posing an additional risk that needed monitoring by crews.

Three fire trucks remain at the scene this evening, where a fire investigator is working to determine the cause of the blaze.