Update: Fire closes Appleby highway

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Part of the Appleby Highway is closed due to a fire at Waimea Estates.

14800056_10154674424436458_1041487355_oThe highway is closed between Three Brothers corner and McShane Road.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use Lower Queen Street or alternative routes to Motueka and Golden Bay.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire just after 6am this morning and remain at the scene.14795807_10154674422861458_695736538_o

The fire was located in the vineyards cafe, the Cellar Door which has suffered severe smoke damage.

However Richmond Cheif Fire Officer Craig Piner says the back of the building and the roof suffered extensive fire damage which indicates the fire originated in the kitchen.

Two fire appliances from Richmond were the first to respond but they were joined shortly after by two from Stoke, two from Nelson, and one from both Mapua and Appleby.

Firefighters entered the building with breathing apparatus and St John were standing by on the scene but no one was hurt.

The road is expected to reopen within half an hour.