Auckland CBD fire: fire and emergency in a 12-story building on Fanshawe St

A fire has broken out in an office building in central Auckland.

Fires and emergencies are responding to the smoke-filled Group M building on Fanshawe St, near the corner of Federal St.

A witness said there was a strong smell of smoke. The lower floors of the building appeared to be full of smoke, with no visibility to the windows.

The fire is believed to have occurred on the first floor.

Firefighters with oxygen tanks were assessing the upper floors of the building from aerial units.

A ground crew appeared to be preparing to enter the building’s main entrance with hoses.

When called by the Herald, Fire and Emergency said they were too busy responding to the incident to give details of the fire.

St John has not been called to the scene.

The witness said he could see at least eight fire trucks and many other New Zealand Fire and Emergency vehicles.

Sirens were heard throughout the city as more emergency services personnel arrived on the scene.

Fanshawe St is closed between Albert St and Hobson St in central Auckland.

Redirected buses and cars.

Media company GroupM moved 120 employees to the building in February 2016.

More to come