Man 'helping police' after huge blaze

More than 60 firefighters took around two hours to put out the fire. Photo / NZPA

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At least one man is "helping police with inquiries" after a suspicious blaze gutted a West Auckland discount shop overnight.

Police spokesman Kevin Loughlin said a man had been found with property from Geoff's Emporium and was speaking to police.

The shop in Henderson's Lincoln Rd was burning fiercely when firefighters arrived about 1am today.

Mr Loughlin said some men were seen leaving the scene of the fire.

He said police were looking for two other men and are "following up on some strong leads".

Earlier this morning, 60 firefighters and 14 fire trucks battled for about two hours to contain the blaze and stop it spreading to adjoining buildings.

Senior Station Officer Rodney Janes said the ground floor was gutted and the upper floor was badly damaged by smoke and water.

He said fire safety officers were due at the building today to assess the fire and find out where and how it began.

The fire trucks blocked much of Lincoln Rd and it was more than two hours before the road was opened to traffic.

No one was hurt in the fire.

Mr Janes said firefighters had good access to the building and a good water supply.

He said by the time they arrived it was burning fiercely and firefighters had to work hard to keep it from spreading.

"The ground flood of the emporium is gutted basically," he said.

"The top floor has suffered smoke damage.

"We will have a standby crew here most of the day."

- NZ HERALD STAFF & NZPA