Updated 9.07am: A large fire in Waimate has reportedly seriously injured a number of people this morning.

UPDATE: Three dead in Waimate fire 

Emergency services are still responding to the blaze on Queen St, that was reported at 7.45am.

Initial reported advised there were a number of people inside the building, some with very serious injuries.

The fire is believed to be above the local Indian restaurant.

One local said the family which operates the restaurant lives above it.

He said there's still a lot of smoke coming from the building, with a lot of emergency vehicles at the scene.