Auckland church severely damaged in overnight fire in Avondale

An Auckland church has been “severely damaged” after a fire broke out overnight.

Assistant Commander Phil Larcomb said they were called to Great North Rd just after 4am this morning where the brick St Mary’s Catholic Church, in front of St Mary’s School, was on fire and had been “severely damaged”.

The blaze has now been extinguished.

“Due to the nature of the weather at the moment, it’s very foggy, it’s very hard to see what’s going on, but the fire is now contained and extinguished,” Larcomb said.

“We’re damping down hotspots at around about quarter past 5 now, well under control.

“So, until the daylight hours, we won’t be able to ascertain exactly if there are any other issues with the building, i.e. asbestos, but there is potential for roof collapse.”

At the peak of the blaze, eight fire trucks were on the scene.

Firefighters at the scene of the blaze at St Mary’s Catholic Church on Great North Rd in Avondale. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Police advised motorists to expect delays in Avondale this morning.

Great North Rd, between Portage Rd and Larch Rd, is cordoned off and emergency services are in attendance.

There are no reports of injury.

Police said they will work with fire investigators to establish the circumstances of the fire.