A fire caused by an air-conditioning unit in the roof of a cinema complex at East Auckland’s Botany Town Centre this morning has been extinguished.
Fire and Emergency NZ said it was notified of a structure fire at 9.28am, responding with crews from Otahuhu, Otara, Papatoetoe, Howick, Ellerslie, Parnell, Onehunga and Manurewa.
“The fire is in the ceiling of the three-storey building,” a FENZ spokesperson said.
“Smoke was reported in the movie theatre in the building.”
Firefighters appeared to be tackling the blaze at the shopping centre’s Hoyts cinema, with dark smoke billowing from the area and visible across the surrounding suburbs.
Crews could also be seen directing water jets at part of the mall’s building with an aerial appliance.
FENZ said the blaze was extinguished shortly before midday.
Police said it was called to assist at around 10am. Hato Hone St John said one rapid response unit and one manager had been on standby at the scene but were not required.
Botany Town Centre was evacuated after the fire broke out.
A 1News reporter at the scene said the shopping centre was evacuated for a second time shortly after 1pm, but shoppers had since been allowed to return.
FENZ said traffic in the area would likely be affected by road closures and diversions following the fire.
Botany Town Centre is one of Auckland’s largest shopping centres, with more than 200 stores and businesses, and is a major retail hub for East Auckland.