A building fire emitting bursts of orange flames and large smoke clouds closed a busy road in Auckland's Onehunga Mall, but has now been brought under control.
Firefighters from across Auckland responded to the blaze, which Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to just after 8pm on Sunday.
Crews made good progress on the fire, FENZ said in an update about 10:30pm, and the fire was under control, with crews focused on extinguishing hotspots.
One or two trucks would be remain on site overnight to continue dampening down and monitoring.
Police cordons on Onehunga Mall between Arthur and Church Streets remain in place.
Earlier on Sunday night police said officers were called to assist and the building was producing "significant smoke".
"Those in the area are advised to stay inside and close windows and doors," they said.
"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays."
Flames seen over the top of the building on Onehunga Mall Road, as firefighters work from ladders, on Sunday night. Photo: RNZ/ Matthew Hutching
The properties on fire are next door to MP Greg Fleming's electorate office, and include the remains of one that was gutted by fire in 2021, an RNZ reporter at the scene said.
But the flames had spread beyond the facade of the earlier-destroyed property, and appeared to take hold above a Lotto shop superette, too.
St John earlier told RNZ it had one ambulance stationed at the scene as a precaution.
Photo: RNZ/ Matthew Hutching
Photo: RNZ/ Matthew Hutching
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