Large fire engulfs new Auckland housing development

A large fire has gutted an apartment in a new housing development in northwest Auckland this morning.

Firefighters are still dampening down hot spots after a blaze broke out just before 4am.

Police evacuated dozens of residents in nearby homes as the fire tore through the three-storey block.

The building is one of a number under construction on Hobsonville Point Rd in Hobsonsville.

More than 16 fire crews battled the blaze, including aerial trucks, a water cannon on top of a fire engine and firefighters on the ground.

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Fire and Emergency northern shift communications manager Colin Underdown said the building was well ablaze when the fire crews arrived.

The building was believed to be unoccupied but police were getting everyone out of adjoining and nearby homes, he said.

Fire crews at the scene of the blaze. Photo / Nick Pennell

New Zealand Herald deliverer Nick Pennell, who was working in the area at the time, said he could see flames shooting high into the air.

"From Countdown you could see flames 30-40 feet above the building.

"The whole building was engulfed by flames.

"Things were raging."

He said the area was teeming with emergency vehicles and firefighters quickly taking control of the inferno.

The fire-ravaged building was in the final stages of construction and scaffolding still surrounds the perimeter, he said.

The fire had been put out by 6am and fire crews had started to leave.

Police said up to 30 homes were evacuated as the fire took hold. Residents of neighbouring buildings have seen been allowed to return to their homes.