Police investigate fire in building being demolished

Fire safety officers and police were due back at a building on Auckland's Karangahape Road today after it was badly damaged by fire.

The building was being demolished but it was burning fiercely when firefighters responded with a third alarm call shortly before 4am.

The Fire Service said 10 appliances, including aerial ladders were at the scene and the fire was put out in a relatively short time.

Police said today the fire could have been started by street kids or vagrants but it had yet to be investigated.

They said because the building was being demolished there was no significant damage but firefighters said a fire in the middle of the city had the potential to cause serious damage.

- NZPA