First-floor apartment extensively damaged

By CHRIS HARROWELL

The cause of a fire that resulted in “extensive damage” to an east Auckland apartment is being investigated but is not believed to be suspicious.

Fire fighters from four fire stations responded when a blaze broke out in a first-floor apartment building in Guys Road, East Tamaki, on March 31.

Otara fire station senior station officer Michael Manning says the call came in from the apartment’s neighbours at 8.06am.

“On arrival we had a firstfloor apartment with the fire developing in the kitchen.

“The neighbours were concerned the occupants were still home so our fire fighters have made entry to the home and carried out a search.

“Nobody was home and they’ve been able to cut off and extinguish the fire.”

Manning says six fire trucks, four pumps and an aerial appliance were used in the response to the fire.

“The aerial appliance we used to get into the roof to check for fire extension and our hazmat command unit came out to decontaminate our fire fighters as well.

“The fire is being investigated by a fire risk management team, but we don’t believe it to be suspicious.

“The apartment is interconnecting with several other apartments in the complex.

“This particular apartment has been extensively damaged by fire, however our