Source: Radio New Zealand
Firefighters are tackling a blaze at Auckland’s Northcote College.
Fire and Emergency NZ said they were called to the school about 12.15pm on Friday.
A crew from Silverdale is in attendance and more crews are on their way to the scene.
Fire at Northcote College on Auckland’s North Shore. Finn Blackwell
Smoke can be seen from the Harbour Bridge.
On social media, a school spokesperson said: “There is an active fire at Northcote College in the sports pavilion. The fire service is here.
“All students have been evacuated to the other end of the school and are safe.
Facebook / Northcote College
“We are waiting for further direction from the fire service and will update you as we can.”
The Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade, which was nearly half an hour away from the college, attended even though the closest fire station, Birkenhead, is four minutes away.
The fire started during the one hour strike by the Professional Firefighters Union.
FENZ said during that hour, it was relying on volunteer brigades.
Fire at Northcote College on Auckland’s North Shore. Finn Blackwell
There were now other brigades on the scene.
Just last month another large fire broke out during strike action.
A building in Pakuranga was completely destroyed by fire and a person was seriously hurt.
Smoke from a fire at Northcote College, as seen from the city. RNZ / Victoria Young
At the time, Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown said he was “angry” on behalf of those impacted by the fire due to it happening during the strike.
“Union action that delays a response to an emergency is quite frankly reckless and the union needs to put a stop to these reckless strikes which endanger lives, homes, and businesses.”
New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union secretary Wattie Watson said contingencies were meant to be put in place during the strike.
On social media, North Shore councillor Richard Hills said it was “so sad” to see another fire at the school.
“It will be hugely upsetting to students, staff and school whānau, especially as they’re just getting back to normal, after the previous fire, and recent opening of new and upgraded buildings post construction.
“The fire service are there and thankfully all students have been evacuated to the other end of the school and are safe. The fire is very much still active.”
Hills said it was likely to cause traffic delays in surrounding areas and urged people to stay away if they didn’t need to be there.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
