Person injured in Timaru building fire

A person has been seriously injured as fire crews battle a large blaze near Timaru Hospital that is causing black smoke to billow over the area.

Fire and Emergency NZ sent 10 crews from the Washdyke, Timaru, St Andrew's and Temuka stations to the blaze in a large shed on Queen St, near the intersection with High St, just before 9am on Wednesday.

A Fenz spokesperson said the crews have managed to contain the fire at the industrial premises.

The building was "well ablaze" when firefighters arrived and has been badly damaged.

A police spokesperson said they were called to the blaze just after 9am.

The spokesperson said one person has been seriously injured.