Firefighters battle security to get to blaze

Firefighters called to a bank northwest of Auckland today had problems getting into the building because of the bank's security system.

After calling for back-up, they eventually gained entry into the ANZ's Huapai-Kumeu branch to put out the fire, a Fire Service spokesman said.

Firefighters from the local station, across the road from the bank, were alerted about 9.15am after a report that there was a smell of smoke in the lunch room.

When they arrived, they noticed black smoke coming from the back of the premises.

There were no immediate details about the cause of the fire or the extent of damage to the one-storey building.

- NZPA