UPDATE: Fire crews have contained a blaze which engulfed a chemist in the small country town of Cowra.

There were fears the blaze was beginning to spread into neighbouring shops inside the Kendal Street building, however fire fighters managed to “knock down” the flames just in time.

It’s understood the chemist has been destroyed, while adjoining businesses have sustained smoke damage.

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COWRA | UPDATE: F/fighters have knocked down #fire in chemist shop. Adjoining shop only appears to have smoke. Crews checking unit above. — Fire & Rescue NSW (@FRNSW) May 21, 2016

EARLIER: Fire fighters are racing to contain a ferocious building fire in the small country town of Cowra, in Central West NSW.

It’s understood the blaze first broke out inside the Kendal Street building shortly after 1pm.

The fire has ripped through a pharmacy and, according to crews at the scene, is now beginning to spread into neighbouring shops.

The businesses affected are essential to the town which is home to no more than 10,000 people.

Additional fire crews from surrounding stations have been called in to assist.

COWRA | #FRNSW at a building #fire, Kendal St. Building was well alight when crews arrived. F/fighting ops underway. — Fire & Rescue NSW (@FRNSW) May 21, 2016