Derelict building's demise visible over much of city

The building in Tennyson St, Mt Eden collapsed as the fire destroyed it. Photo / Chris Hoffmann

A derelict two-storey Auckland building was destroyed by fire last night on Tennyson St in Mt Eden.

A Northern Fire Communications spokesman said the blaze, which could be seen from much of central Auckland, started about 10.30pm. The cause was unknown.

Nine fire engines and about 30 firefighters fought the inferno. The spokesman said there didn't appear to be anybody inside the building, which collapsed.

Freelance photographer Chris Hoffmann said: "The flames were five or six storeys high and about 100 people were standing around watching. It was so hot that when the rain was coming down it was evaporating before touching the ground."