Foodstuffs says it will take time to determine when a fire-ravaged Auckland CBD supermarket may reopen, as they grapple with the “confronting scene” inside.
Fire crews completed thermal imaging of New World Victoria Park this morning, confirming no remaining hot spots before handing the building back to the owners.
The fire broke out shortly after 11am yesterday, and black smoke could be seen billowing from as far away as the North Shore. At its peak, around 80 firefighters from 23 trucks across the region, and support personnel, were at the scene.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including Auckland’s supermarket fire, Trump’s threat to Iran, and how a smart watch could make you fitter. (Source: 1News)
Foodstuffs North Island property head Nick Hanson was among the first to re-enter the supermarket and said it was heavily ravaged by fire, smoke and water.
“Inside, it’s a confronting scene,” he said.
“Much of the damage appears to be in the ceiling area, and ceiling panels have collapsed in several places due to fire and water damage.
“The scale of what’s needed to repair and rebuild will take time to assess.”
The fire broke out at the supermarket in Freeman’s Bay shortly after 11am. (Source: 1News)
A Foodstuffs spokesperson said while the company remained committed to the site, there was no clear timeline for when the store might reopen.
“This site is critical to Foodstuffs North Island, the store owner and wider community,” they said. “While it’s too early to know the full extent of the damage, we are absolutely committed to this site and getting back to serving the community as soon as possible.”
The Victoria Park store had been operating since June 1999 and had recently begun a major refurbishment, with completion originally scheduled for mid-next year.
Fire investigators have now begun a detailed assessment to determine the source and likely cause of the blaze.
Fire and Emergency incident controller Phil Larcombe said shortly after midday that crews had left the site more than 24 hours after the fire started.
“We have an area of origin in the building that we are focusing on, which is toward the rear of the building,” he said.
Meanwhile, New World staff are still helping customers retrieve vehicles left behind during the evacuation.
Smoke and flames have been seen coming out of New World Victoria Park. (Source: 1News)
As of this afternoon, a handful of cars remained on site, according to Foodstuffs.
Customers needing to collect their vehicles have been asked to visit the site with their car keys, registration number, name and phone number.
The spokesperson confirmed all 180 staff would continue to be paid while the company worked through future support options.