22 Oct 2019 | 09:22 AM UTC
New Zealand: Thousands evacuated as fire continues in Auckland’s city center October 22 /update 1
Ongoing fire in Auckland’s city center prompts evacuation of thousands on October 22; significant traffic and business disruption expected
Event
An ongoing fire at Auckland's SkyCity Convention Center has prompted the closure of the entire Skycity Auckland precinct at around 16:00 (local time) on Tuesday, October 22, prompting the evacuation of around one thousand people in the immediate vicinity.
The Fire and Emergency services (FENZ) confirmed at 18:30 that the fire has been contained, but that fire operations are likely to continue until the early hours of Wednesday, October 23. Significant transportation and business disruptions have been reported as of 21:00 (local time), as well as diversions to public bus routes. Updates to bus services can be found on the Auckland Transport website here.
Authorities have requested residents to avoid the city center. Individuals in the city center are to take precautionary measures against smoke inhalation, including staying out of the smoke, keeping windows closed, turning off air conditioning, and wiping down surfaces.
Context
According to Fire and Emergency officials, the fire started at approximately 13:10 on the roof of the convention center and then spread to the sixth floor. Insulation is reportedly on fire and gas cylinders may also be in the area. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Advice
Individuals in Auckland are advised to avoid the area of the fire, obey all instructions issued by local authorities, allow additional time to travel, and to take precautionary measures to avoid smoke inhalation. Children and those with respiratory illnesses in the area are advised to limit outdoor activity.
