"...we really had no idea if anything would be left"

The fire cast a red glow in the sky.

Road has reopened

Southbound lanes likely to be closed until 8.30am or 9.30am.

Advice for people to stay away remains, but fire service say fumes pose no danger.

Police said the offenders drove away and crashed into taxi while trying to escape.

The blaze was started by a crane bringing down power-lines in the area just before 5pm.

Focus Live: Fire and Emergency NZ on the SkyCity Convention Centre flooding

Two buildings were well involved in flames on Patiki Road in Avondale.

Fire crews are at a house fire in Manurewa, South Auckland, tonight.

"I've not seen anything like it in my life ... it was pretty devastating."

One person was taken to Auckland Hospital with burn injuries following the blaze.

The fire broke out in a reach stacker used to move containers; operator suffered burns.

The blaze disconnected power to nearly 300 businesses and guts three businesses in Waipu.

The Paki family were told remnants of gasoline were found around the property.

"It appeared that two stores were on fire," the spokeswoman said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand received multiple calls about the fire.

NZTA is advising motorists to avoid the area or expect delays.

"We've got a well-involved substantial house fire there. There's substantial damage."

It was one of 25 included on the list of buildings with Grenfell Tower-like cladding.

The fire was "well involved" in the lounge on the top floor of the two-storey home.

A Givealittle page has been created and neighbours and friends are seeking donations.

Te Atatu Motors was well involved in flames earlier this evening.

Te Papa museum was found to have ACP cladding in some areas.

The small fire was extinguished and firefighters have been stood down.

Thirteen fire engines are at the scene along with a command unit.

A contractor was working inside a house across the street when the explosion went off.

Huge fire at Ravensdown fertiliser factory in Hornby, Christchurch.

Police have confirmed they have closed a section of Main South Road as a result of the fire.

The fire had completely destroyed an internal building at the plant.