One of Auckland's busiest fire stations has been closed after dust samples tested positive for asbestos.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler said the result was a consequence of testing at the Pitt Street station, which took place in July.
"This is a result we were not expecting," Stiffler said, saying the organisation was "disappointed".
"The safety and well-being of our firefighters is of the utmost importance to us, and the station has been closed.
"We have arranged precautionary air monitoring and swab testing around the station."
Stiffler said this testing would take place today.
She said FENZ has "no reason" to believe there had been any spread of asbestos beyond the initial rooms since it was removed in September last year.
The station was previously out of action in 2023 after asbestos was discovered during renovation work.
Once used frequently in construction, asbestos can cause disastrous health effects, including lung scarring, asbestosis and cancer.
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