RSA's future uncertain after fire destroys building

The RSA was heavily damaged by the blaze. Photo / Daniel Hines

An Auckland RSA is facing an uncertain future after it was engulfed in flames in the early hours of the morning.

The fire at the East Coast Bays Returned and Services Association on Bute Rd was found about 3am - less than an hour before the Fire Service attended a second large blaze at a car-storage facility in Ellerslie.

Both fires are not being treated as suspicious.

RSA national president BJ Clark said he did not know the extent of the fire but it could be "gutting" for the community organisation.

If any war memorabilia was lost in the fire it would be a double blow, he said.

"Some of the memorabilia would be completely irreplaceable, there's no two ways about it. But we should be thankful no one has been injured in fire.

"Insurance replaces the building, but it doesn't replace the soul."

The "vibrant" RSA had about 3000 members, Mr Clark said.

It would be interesting to hear from the Fire Service the cause of the blaze, he said.

"If it was an accident is one thing but if we get feedback that it was arson that would be particularly concerning.

"This group could now have lost their place for entertainment. They're a vibrant group and hopefully they will put in a good plan to be the phoenix and rise from the ashes."

Fire Service shift manager Jaron Phillips said the building was engulfed in fire when the team got there after an automatic fire alarm was triggered.

The fire was discovered at the rear of the building.

A team of special fire investigators were still working to determine the cause.

The second fire occurred about 3.45am in a disused storage building on Wilkinson Rd in Ellerslie.

Specialist fire investigator Lynda McHugh said the cause was not determined and the investigation would continue tomorrow.

The building was fully engulfed when fire crews arrived there this morning.

More than 100 cars were stored on the property and about 12 to 15 brand new vehicles had been damaged in the blaze, she said.

A hazardous materials unit had to set up for decontamination because there was asbestos in the building roof.

"We're being extremely careful in the investigation because of the hazardous asbestos and the damage to the floor," Ms McHugh said.