A fierce blaze consuming a truck threatened nearby Whareora Hall and created a spectacular sight for motorists heading home from work about 5pm yesterday.
Neighbours and passers-by on Whareora Rd heard a loud explosion from the truck's fuel tank.
A short while later a Whangarei Fire Brigade crew had the fire under control.
No one was hurt in the incident that left one lane near the junction with Harris Rd blocked for about 30 minutes.
A fire service spokesman said there was initial concern the flames would spread to the trees the open-topped truck was parked under or leap the short distance to the community hall.