Takapuna blaze: Photos reveal extent of damage

Fire Risk Management officer Michael Upton said more than 100 fire fighters and 23 appliances were required to fight the blaze on the fifth floor of the building. Photo / Supplied

The cause of last night's inferno at a Takapuna office tower remains unknown - and photos from inside the scorched building show the extent of the damage.

However, details about the manpower involved in containing and extinguishing the fire at the BDO building on Como St have been released.

Fire Risk Management officer Michael Upton said more than 100 fire fighters and 23 appliances were required to fight the blaze on the fifth floor of the building.

The fire was brought under control shortly after 10.30pm. Photo / Supplied

Mr Upton also released photos of the scorched interior - showing how flames and smoke razed the floor and left the offices looking like a bomb site.

He said the Fire Service was alerted to the fire at 8.49pm by an automatic fire alarm activation from the building.

It was brought under control shortly after 10.30pm.

"Firefighters were required to conduct a search of each floor of the building as it was occupied at the time of the fire. There were no injuries caused by the fire and the building occupants managed to escape safely.

"The building had a robust evacuation scheme in place, and upon activation of the fire alarm the occupants knew what to do, which was pleasing to see."

The Fire Service was alerted to the fire at 8.49pm by an automatic fire alarm activation from the building.

Mr Upton said that although a considerable amount of damage was caused to part of the building, the fire was contained to the fifth floor, however smoke has travelled throughout the building.

Upton said the fire showed the importance to business owners and property managers of having monitored fire alarm systems and sprinklers within commercial buildings.

"This allows for early detection of fire and calls the Fire Service instantly, minimising loss and down time."

Firefighters remained at the incident overnight to dampen down any hot spots.

"At this stage the cause of the fire remains undetermined and Fire Investigators are still at the incident investigating. The building remains closed today."