Auckland fires: Man runs from Ponsonby house as blaze takes hold

A man has described running from his Ponsonby home as a fire broke out in the rear of the house. The blaze follows a spate of fires across Auckland.

Firefighters were called to Tawariki St, Ponsonby, just hours after a block of shops caught alight in the central city.

The man told the Herald he stood with his neighbours and their dog outside the burning property as they watched crews battle the blaze.

Three other major fires broke out in Auckland over the past 24 hours, including a fatal sleepout blaze in Ōtāhuhu, a fire at a central city block and a house fire in Panmure.

Crews work to extinguish a house fire in Ponsonby, Auckland. Photo / Jason Dorday

Fire and Emergency said it received multiple reports of the Ponsonby fire just after 10am.

Five fire crews, a specialist truck and support vehicles were at the scene and police also helped the crews.

A Ponsonby home has been severely damaged in a fire. Photo / Jason Dorday

The fire was well alight when crews arrived and more were called for the single-storey house blaze.

Video of the fire just after 10am showed a large plume of grey smoke coming from the property.

Fire and Emergency received multiple reports of a house fire in Ponsonby just after 10am.

Firefighters at the scene of a house fire in Ponsonby. Photo / Jason Dorday

The home’s roof was caved in on one side and completely blackened.

Five fire trucks remained at the scene just before noon.

A firefighter at the scene said flames threatened the neighbouring house.

The road has been cordoned off, with work expected to continue for several hours.

Central city shops go up in smoke

Fire and Emergency extinguished another fire in a central city block housing a store and several restaurants, including Denny’s.

Several fire engines were called to the building, on the corner of Hobson St and Victoria St West.

Large plumes of black smoke could be seen pouring out of one of the ground-floor premises.

The Denny’s 24-hour restaurant is on the upper level, with Raviz Indian Eatery, Chill and Grill and Daikoku convenience store on the ground floor.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were seen entering the building about 7.45am.

Firefighters secure the perimeter and redirect traffic as they respond to a fire in the central city during Auckland's morning commute. Photo / Anna Heath

Fire and Emergency shift manager Lauren Sika told the Herald that crews from six Auckland stations responded to the fire, including a specialist unit from Glen Eden.

The fire had since been extinguished, Sika said.

The "well-involved" fire broke out in a shop on the corner of Hobson St and Victoria St West this morning. Photo / Anna Heath

Crews had since been ventilating the building.

Police said they helped manage traffic.

Hato Hone St John was also called but was not needed.

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