Approximately 40 firefighters from 14 different crews have successfully extinguished a large blaze at a boat building facility in Glendene, west Auckland. The fire broke out around 10 a.m. This morning, prompting a significant emergency response to the single-storey commercial building.
Emergency Response and Escalation
The incident began with three crews and a helicopter responding to multiple calls. As the situation developed, the blaze was escalated to a third alarm level, requiring additional support from across the region.
Responding crews included teams from Glen Eden, Henderson, Te Atatu, Titirangi, Auckland City, Avondale, West Harbour, Mount Roskill, and Grey Lynn. In total, Fire and Emergency Fresh Zealand (FENZ) deployed eight fire engines and six specialist appliances to the scene.
Impact of Unoccupied Facility
Assistant District Commander Shaun Pilgrim noted that the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire. This lack of occupancy meant the fire had a “good amount of time to receive well established” before it was eventually discovered.
Pilgrim described the fire as burning fiercely upon the arrival of the first crews. Still, he praised the responding teams for their “good, quick work” in bringing the situation under control.
Current Status and Next Steps
While the main fire has been put out, emergency crews remain on site to manage the aftermath. “For all intents and purposes, the fire [is] out right now,” Pilgrim stated, though he noted that crews are still dealing with a few remaining hot spots.
The primary focus for the remainder of the day is likely to be the complete extinguishment of these hot spots. Following this, investigators may work to determine the cause of the blaze.
During the height of the fire, black smoke was seen billowing into the sky. FENZ advised members of the public to avoid the area and urged those in the vicinity to retain windows and doors closed to avoid the effects of the smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the fire break out?
The fire at the boat building facility began around 10 a.m.
Were there any injuries reported?
No injuries were reported as nobody was inside the building at the time of the blaze.
How many firefighters responded to the scene?
Approximately 40 firefighters from 14 crews responded to the incident.
How can city planning better address the risks associated with unoccupied commercial buildings in industrial zones?
