Fire in Parnell Park sends smoke through central Auckland

A bush fire broke out in the Auckland suburb of Parnell and sent smoke into the sky.

Emergency services received reports of the fire on Gladstone Rd in Parnell, on the hill near the Fred Amber Lookout shortly before 6 p.m.

The Herald received reports that the smoke was seen as far away as the western suburb of New Lynn.

At 645 p. M., The fire seemed nearly out as fire crews worked at the top and bottom of the hill, although a heavy smell of smoke still lingered in the air.

Fire and Emergency Services Commander Gavin Travers said they received multiple calls from the fire around 550 p.m.

Five fire trucks fought the blaze and the train tracks at the bottom of the hill were closed.

One or two fire apparatus would remain there overnight to ensure that the fire was
extinct.

Due to the toi toi on the hill, it would take some time to make sure the fire is out, he said.

“It’s clear that now we are just putting in access points,” Travers said.

Travers said it was not yet known how the fire started.