Flat Bush fire closes road, hundreds of homes and businesses without power

The stay-in-doors order has been lifted for Flat Bush residents following a large fire that continues to leave hundreds without power.

The fire also closed a major road which has since been reopened.

A witness close to the fire said she “heard a bang” before the power in her shop cut out and smoke started to appear in the sky.

Emergency services were called to a fire in Flat Bush this afternoon and nearby residents were being advised to stay indoors. Photo / Ben Dickens

Police said a group of shops and a transformer were alight in Chapel Rd and there were concerns over the air quality owing to the smoke.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the fire has since been extinguished but four fire trucks remain on the scene as a precaution.

The fire has closed a major road and left homes and businesses without power.

Gaye Fisher, owner of Cocoon Thai Spa in Flat Bush, said the transformer made a large “bang” before the power cut out.

“I went outside and saw the smoke, and then the fire started.

The power outage covered quite a wide area and firefighters had told her to stay inside and close her doors and windows, she said.

A nearby businesses owner said she heard a "big bang" after the transformer exploded and caught on fire in Flat Bush. Photo / Ben Dickens

Auckland Transport said on social media that Chapel Rd between Ormiston Rd and the southern end of Michael Jones Drive was closed due to the fire.

“Avoid this area or expect delays with diversions in place affecting all traffic, including bus services,” the agency said.

The road reopened at 2.30pm.

UPDATE 2:30PM
This has been cleared, all lanes here are OPEN. https://t.co/WMnSECFIKO

— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) February 13, 2024

A massive power outage has been reported as a result of the fire, stretching 6.7km down Chapel Rd. According to the Vector website, the outage was reported at 12.35pm and it is not known when it will be resolved.

A fire has left hundreds of homes and businesses without power in Flat Bush this afternoon. Photo / Vector

Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the Herald since 2022.