Fire rages through Auckland factory

A large blaze ripped through an Auckland factory this morning, causing extensive damage to the building's interior.

Firefighters were called to the blaze on Botha Rd, Penrose, about 1.35am.

Auckland area Fire Commander Richard Toomey said the fire was "well-involved" when the first crews arrived.

"They initially had to get to work to protect the building either side, as well as commencing a fire attack," he said.

"Crews were able to actually get inside and cut the fire off, and then we were able to get our aerial appliances over the top and extinguish it."

At the fire's peak, there were 12 fire engines and about 40 firefighters on the scene.
"It was well-involved in the front of the building," Mr Toomey said.

"It has done a lot of damage to the internal part of the building."

Mr Toomey said crews would remain on the scene into the morning to carry out salvage operations and try to determine the cause of the fire.