Alleged P lab causes large fire

File photo / NZH

A large fire in west Auckland is thought to have been caused by a methamphetamine lab exploding.

Jaron Phillips, northern fire communications shift manager, said the fire service was called to the blaze at around 10.50am by which time it was well-involved.

Twelve fire engines were attending the fire at Township Rd in Waitakere, which is now under control but still burning.

Mr Phillips said the fire, at a 20m by 10m dwelling, was so large it could be seen from northern fire communications' office in Grey Lynn, central Auckland.

He said he believed no-one was home when the fire started but the ambulance service treated one person with burns at another address, which may be related.

It is understood the fire was caused by a P (methamphetamine) lab exploding but Mr Phillips said he could not confirm that. A fire investigator was at the scene trying to determine the cause of the fire.

Police were unavailable for comment.

- NZ Herald staff