A fire in a downtown Auckland building started on a floor during asbestos removal, and investigations are continuing into what started the blaze.
Smoke was seen billowing out of the seven-storey ClearPoint building on Fanshawe St this morning.
Northern Fire Communications spokeswoman Megan Ruru said the fire started on thebuilding's fourth floor where "asbestos removal was taking place", then spread to the sixth floor.
Firefighters "had to be on rotation to prevent contamination".
Ruru said 14 fire trucks and 60 firefighters were at the scene.
Those inside the building this morning were evacuated while fire engines from across Auckland converged on the burning tower.
Witnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke pouring out from the burning building's roof.
"There's a whole lot of smoke coming out of the top of the building. All the office staff are outside. They have all been evacuated," said worker Laura.
A small fire has broken out at our Auckland office. Our team have safely exited the building and the fire service is attending. More soon
As well as large numbers of firefighters, a number of police and an ambulance were at the cordoned-off building where it is understood maintenance work was being done on an upper floor.
Fire service at the scene. Photo / Doug Sherring
Witness Reid Quinlan, who was working in an office tower near the blaze, said he could see smoke pouring out of an air conditioning duct on the roof.
Smoke seen coming out of the building in downtown Auckland. Photo / Supplied via Reid Quinlan
"It came out in a rush at the start but seems to be dying down now," said Quinlan.
Another witness reported hearing "quite an explosion".
Following a building fire on Fanshawe St prior to Nelson St, the bus lane and left lane city-bnd are blocked by Emergency Crews ^SK
