Auckland shops go up in flames

Auckland firefighters have been fully stretched dealing with blazes at two blocks of shops in different parts of the city this morning.

One person was treated for burns and smoke inhalation after tackling a blaze at the Natural Health Centre in Mokoia Road, in Birkenhead on the North Shore.

Firemen found the centre burning fiercely when they arrived in the early hours but managed to prevent the flames from spreading to other shops.

Fire safety officers were trying to find the cause of the fire.

Two hours later firemen got a call to a blazing shop and office block in Parnell, south of the central city.

The building was severely damaged.

Fire Service spokesman Jaron Phillips said there was nothing to suggest the two fires were related.

- NZPA