Central Wellington apartment evacuated after unknown chemical smell

Residents of a central Wellington apartment building had to be evacuated because of an unknown chemical smell on Friday afternoon.

Fire and Emergency has been investigating since an alarm was triggered at the Dixon St building earlier this afternoon.

Shift manager Carlos Dempsey said crews initially smelt some smoke, but then identified a strong chemical smell within the building.

"At this stage, it's not escalating any further. We've got Dixon Street closed off and it's going to be closed for a little while, while we work to determine exactly what we're dealing with."