Auckland apartment block evacuated due to fire

Residents were forced to flee through smoke-filled corridors when fire broke out at an inner city Auckland apartment block early today.

Firefighters were called shortly after 4am when a fire broke out in one unit in a block of Housing New Zealand apartments in upper Symonds St.

One person, believed to be the occupant of the burning apartment, was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

Fire safety officers began inspecting the unit, which was moderately damaged, at first light.

- NZPA