4:29 pm today

Central Auckland fire: Construction workers evacuated from 16th-floor building

4:29 pm today
Emergency services attend an incident on Wakefield Street in Auckland central on 23 May.

Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel

Wakefield Street in central Auckland has re-opened after a fire caused disruption on Friday afternoon.

Police assisted with road closures near Queen Street while 12 fire appliances responded to the fire on the 16th floor of a building under construction.

Dozens of construction workers were evacuated.

Emergency services attend an incident on Wakefield Street in Auckland central on 23 May.

Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel

Fire Service assistant commander at the scene, Barry Thomas, said the big response was partly because of the size of the building and the fact it was in a busy area.

He said one of the usual sources that helps pumps water to higher floors was not available.

Auckland firefighters had to request that a back-up aerial unit be sent from Hamilton because one of Auckland's two units was out of action after it failed during a fire last month.

The Hamilton truck was eventually turned back because a road was closed and the fire was under control.

Earlier, witnesses near the Wakefield Street address said they have not seen fire or smoke.

A spokesperson said two fire trucks remained at the scene.

Emergency services attend an incident on Wakefield Street in Auckland central on 23 May.

The building has been evacuated. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel