A fire at an Auckland supermarket has now been contained but crews will remain on scene overnight to extinguish it.
Fire and Emergency NZ said crews were alerted to the fire at New World Victoria Park in Freemans Bay at 11.18am on Tuesday after a fire alarm was activated.
The fire broke out at the supermarket in Freeman’s Bay shortly after 11am. (Source: 1News)
By 2pm, 20 trucks and support vehicles from stations across the region were at the scene, with further resources still responding. Around 80 firefighters were responding at the height of the blaze.
Three aerial trucks from Auckland were working to bring the blaze under control, with a fourth on its way from Hamilton.
“All persons have been accounted for,” FENZ said.
In an update at 4.50pm, Incident Controller Shaun Thornton said crews had been able to access the interior of the building.
Fifteen trucks and support vehicles remained on scene, with the Hamilton aerial now returning to its station.
The smoke had also considerably reduced and the emergency alert to stay inside had been lifted.
Thornton said progress had been made in removing cars from the carpark.
“If customers have a car in the New World carpark they are advised to see the Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel at the cordon at the bottom end of Franklin Rd who are coordinating the retrieval of vehicles.”
A Foodstuffs spokesperson said everyone who was on site at the time of the fire starting were safe and accounted for.
Watch: Drone captures smoke billowing from supermarket – on TVNZ+
The organisation thanked Fire and Emergency New Zealand who “responded quickly and are currently managing the situation on site”.
“We’ve spoken with local owner-operator Steve Purton and our wider support teams, and together we’re focused on the next steps. Right now, our priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.”
The public was advised to avoid the area.
Photos showed black smoke rising from the store. FENZ said smoke was drifting up into Ponsonby and towards Grey Lynn.
“Residents impacted by the smoke are advised to close their windows and doors and avoid going outside if possible.”
College Hill, Victoria St, Franklin Rd and Scotland St were all closed due to the fire.
“Avoid this area or expect delays with diversions in place affecting all traffic, including bus services,” Auckland Transport said.
St John said it had been notified about the incident and that two rapid response vehicles were on standby if required.
Peter Stewart, who was doing his shopping when the fire started, said he was in the produce section when an alarm went off.
“There was a slight smell of smoke in the building, and then we very quickly moved out,” he said.
Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin thanked customers for “staying calm and following the team’s direction”.
“We know it must have been a frightening and confusing experience, and we’re so grateful everyone is safe.”
He also praised the staff at the store.
Smoke and flames have been seen coming out of New World Victoria Park. (Source: 1News)
“The way our team responded – quickly, calmly, and with genuine care for the people around them – was exceptional. Getting everyone out of a busy supermarket safely and without panic is no small feat. I’m incredibly proud of how they handled it.”
Quin said that the extent of the damage was “not clear”.
“Our teams are working hard to understand the impact and are assessing plans to get back to serving our valued customers.”
He said the store’s team was doing “all they can” to assist those whose vehicles remained on site.