Emergency services are responding to a reported chemical incident in Sydenham, with neighbouring businesses evacuated and workers in the area told to remain indoors.

The incident is understood to be centred around a commercial property on Buchan Street, with roads closed and Fire and Emergency crews wearing breathing apparatus while working at the scene.

Local business owner, Anna Flanagan, who works directly across the road told chrislynchmedia.com that staff had been instructed to shelter inside while neighbouring properties were evacuated.

“It’s fair to say this wasn’t on today’s plan. We’ve got technicians who can’t get back to the yard, roads closed around us, and we’re sitting tight indoors waiting for the all clear,” Flanagan said.

“The neighbouring properties have been evacuated, while we’ve been advised to shelter indoors. It gives you a pretty clear indication that this isn’t just a minor incident.”

Flanagan said there had been a strong smell in the area and staff had taken steps to stop outside air entering their building.

“The smell, very strong. We’ve taped off our fans so no air gets in from out, turned off air conditioners, and even had an airmover going in the office,” she said.

Fire appliances were positioned around the intersections of Buchan and Wordsworth streets, and Buchan and Coleridge streets.

Flanagan said firefighters wearing full face masks and breathing apparatus had been clearing neighbouring buildings and directing occupants towards an area on Coleridge Street.

A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency New Zealand said they were currently on the scene doing a scene safety check of the “hazardous substance incident” and ensuring the chemical was safe.

“We are in contact constantly. We’re getting advice from the Queensland Fire Department scientific branch,” Fenz said.

They said that Fenz takes advice from their Australian counterparts in “how to deal safely with chemicals”.

A St John spokesperson said they were notified of an incident on Buchan Street at 1.08pm today, responding with one ambulance, assessing two patients.

“We have transported one patient from this incident to Christchurch Hospital (by ambulance) in a moderate condition,” they said.

Flanagan said firefighters had also visited their premises and neighbouring businesses and told people to stay indoors until further notice.

There had initially been what appeared to be a significant amount of smoke or vapour drifting along the street, while firefighters appeared to be carrying out air quality checks.

The visible smoke had since dissipated, but she said a strong smell remained.

Properties closest to the incident had not been cleared for occupants to return.

“The road is closed, buildings beside it evacuated, we’ve been told to stay indoors.”

The exact substance involved and circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been confirmed.