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A person has been seriously injured as fire crews battle a large blaze near Timaru Hospital that has sent thick black smoke billowing across the area.

Fire and Emergency NZ sent 10 crews - including four from Timaru, three from St Andrews, two from Temuka, and one from the Washdyke fire station - to the blaze in a large shed on High St just before 9am on Wednesday.

Fenz said the crews have contained the fire at the industrial premises.

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

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

The spokesperson said one person has been seriously injured.

A section of High St has been closed due to the fire and members of the public are advised to avoid the area.

Nearby resident, Stephie Margaret, told Stuff the fire was out of control for about 15 minutes.

“It reached the stacks of metal drums which started exploding,” she told Stuff.

“It also burnt part of the building beside it.”

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