NT Fire and Rescue Services have contained a mysterious “chemical spill” on McDonald Road in Alice Springs, police have said, after a five-hour ordeal.

A brief statement from police contained scarce details, including what the chemical was and how a fire started that forced the chemical into the open, but said that Fire and Rescue services had “responded quickly” to the scene at an undisclosed time and created a 25-metre exclusion zone, forcing the evacuation of nearby buildings.

Police said crews worked with management of an unspecified business to contain the spill, which was “caused by a fire within a shipping container”.

“Approximately five hours later we gave the all clear to re-open the road to the public,” said Acting Senior Station Officer Jo-Anna Kenney.

“No injuries were reported and we thank everyone for their cooperation.”

No further information was provided, including whether any charges are being considered for endangering the public or how the fire “within a shipping container” started.