Fire and Emergency crews have worked through the night to contain a large vegetation fire on the slopes of Auckland’s Māngere Mountain.
The alarm was raised at 9.25 pm when Fire and Emergency received multiple calls about a fire burning near the top of Māngere near Domain Rd.
An emergency mobile alert was issued for residents within 2km to the southwest of the hill just before midnight as the fire ripped through grass and shrubs near the summit.
“Due to smoke in the area, please keep windows and doors closed,” it said “Seek medical attention if you are feeling unwell due to smoke.”
At its peak, the fire was estimated to be around three hectares in size and flames lit up the night sky across the city.
Nineteen crews were deployed in the effort to contain the blaze by just before midnight. People were asked to stay away from the area to allow the crews to work.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson warned of intense smoke billowing with the easterly wind, being carried as far as Piha. “People on the western side of the mountain may experience smoke. If they are affected, they should stay inside and close all windows and doors,” the spokesperson said.
“Seek medical attention if you are feeling unwell due to smoke.”
By 4am, the fire was understood to be near-fully contained and crews remained at the scene to fully extinguish the fire.
Just before 7am, a spokesperson said the fire was contained.
“Crews remain onsite dampening down hotspots and will continue working this morning.”
Rest home fire
Even as crews were being dispatched to the hillside blaze, fire alarms were activated at a rest home in the same suburb.
A single-level building was on fire at the Māngere lodgings, forcing the evacuation of residents.
A second alarm was issued and fire crews responded, putting out the fire in rear unit of the rest home at about 10.20pm.
