Three people have been injured – one seriously – in a major fire at a Vector electrical substation in Auckland's Penrose.
Fire and Emergency NZ was alerted to the blaze on McNab St at 3.23pm, with crews from Ellerslie, Onehunga, Ōtāhuhu, Remuera, Auckland City and Mount Wellington responding.
Hone St John was notified at 3.29pm and responded with two ambulances and one rapid response unit.
"Hato Hone St John treated three patients," a spokesperson said.
One person was taken to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition, while two others in a moderate condition were taken to Auckland City Hospital.
Fire and Emergency NZ was alerted to the blaze on McNab St at 3.23pm, with crews from Ellerslie, Onehunga, Ōtāhuhu, Remuera, Auckland City and Mount Wellington responding. (Source: 1News)
Smoke was visible from the Southern Motorway and across the city, including Sylvia Park, the North Shore and East Auckland. Traffic backed up for several kilometres in both directions on the motorway.
Footage from the motorway showed flames and thick smoke from the building around 3.46pm.
A smoke advisory was issued by Fire and Emergency this afternoon.
"A building fire on McNab St, Penrose is creating a lot of smoke," Fire and Emergency said.
"Residents in the Penrose and Onehunga area are advised to close windows and doors."
Police said power outages had been reported in parts of Penrose following the blaze "and some intersections are without power".
"Police units are assisting with traffic management at some intersections. Motorists, please take care on the roads."
The nearby suburb of Ellerslie was also hit with power outages.
Vector: 4000 customers affected by power cuts
In a statement, a Vector spokesperson said 7000 customers were initially affected.
"Through network switching, we've already been able to restore power to approximately 3000 customers."
Emergency services were on site, and Vector crews were at the scene to "make the area safe".
"Our teams are working to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible."
Public health alert
Health NZ has issued a public health alert.
"Air around this location may be smoky. Health New Zealand advises that people who are sensitive to smoke, including those with heart or lung conditions, those who are pregnant, young children, and older adults, may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat."
People affected by smoke were encouraged to keep their windows and doors closed; set air conditioning systems to recirculate or turn them off; keep pets indoors where possible and ensure they have clean food and water; check on others who may be vulnerable to smoke; and air out homes once conditions have improved.
A detour was in place for bus services on route 66 through Rockfield Rd, Main Highway and Penrose Rd, Auckland Transport said. Buses will not stop on Maurice Rd, Olive Rd, Penrose Station/Station Rd, 29 Station Rd, Penrose Station/Great South Rd and Prescott St.
"This may cause delays."
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