Firefighters battle blaze at East Auckland’s Cockle Bay School

Cockle Bay School in East Auckland has been evacuated. Photo / Supplied

Firefighters are battling a blaze at East Auckland’s Cockle Bay School, with students streaming on to the footpath after an evacuation.

A Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) spokesperson told the Herald two fire engines and an aerial appliance were initially dispatched after multiple reports of a blaze at the primary school at 2.42pm.

Two more fire engines and a support vehicle were later sent to the “well-involved” fire in the school’s roof.

The spokesperson said an evacuation had taken place and firefighters were still working to put out the fire.

A parent waiting to pick up their child told the Herald he could see smoke billowing from the classrooms in the distance.

It is understood the classrooms on fire had been renovated within the past year.

A line of parents outside of the school. Photo / File

A father of a student told the Herald the school’s head fire warden has spoken to parents, telling them the fire started in Room 8 toilets during building work.

A reporter on the scene said fire crews were having decontamination showers and police had blocked off Litten Rd.

There was a line about 100 metres long of parents waiting to pick up their children.

One parent told the Herald the school had done a great job of keeping parents updated and children safe.

It was understood surrounding roads had been closed because of asbestos in the smoke, a parent told the Herald.

A reporter at the scene said smoke could be smelled 500m away.

Fire engines at Cockle Bay School.

The school confirmed the fire in a statement and said Fenz were immediately made aware of the incident and staff and students evacuated.

“The fire is now contained, and staff and students are safe. The safety of our staff and students is our number-one priority, and any further enquiries should be directed to Fire and Emergency.”