DoubleTree by Hilton in Auckland CBD has been engulfed in flames, as Fire and Emergency NZ tackle the high-rise blaze.
A large fire erupted at Auckland’s DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the city centre on Friday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 2:20 pm, where there were reports of glass falling and crashing into the streets below.
The fire broke out on the 19th floor of the 22-storey building. Construction work had been taking place at the time of the fire, with up to 40 people inside having to evacuate.
Fire and Emergency NZ said that the blaze has since been extinguished and that all persons were accounted for. Crews stayed at the scene for the remainder of the afternoon.
Members of the public were asked to stay clear of the area, with many stopping to capture the events.
Ōtaki MP Tim Costley posted a video to social media, praising the fire service’s efforts.
"This is why we've got to support them because this is what they do, seven days a week," he said.
One onlooker said he saw the flames from a neighbouring building, and described the view as smoke bellowing out of a bent window.
Fire and Emergency Auckland City assistant district commander Dave Woon said that the priority was to now salvage and ventilate the building. He added that there were reports of a person in a crane, which was a “challenge” for services to get to.
“That person has self-extricated, got out under their own steam, but they did have to go through some smoke to come out. All persons are accounted for otherwise," said Woon.
"Our firefighters have done an exceptional job in the logistics of the fire as well as putting the fire out."
An investigation is currently underway as to how the fire started. Woon said that, being a building under construction, there would have been multiple hazards that were different to what an occupied building would have. He added that the potential causes would be worked through methodically.
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