Auckland Uni shuts buildings after campus fire

Eight fire appliances were sent to the fire at Auckland University's city campus at 2.52am today.

Auckland University has closed a number of buildings after a fire this morning.

A university spokeswoman said most of the damage was isolated to the switchboard. No one was injured, she said.

The buildings affected and closed are:
• Human Sciences Building - Buildings 201E and 201N
• Maori Studies/Marae/workshop – Buildings 251, 252, 253 and 226
• James Henare Centre – Building 225
• School of Music – Building 250
• Alton Road Early Childhood Centre – Building 241
• Merchant House – Building 212

However, all buildings - apart from Human Sciences - would reopen at midday.

The School of Music would be open but had no data or air-conditioning.

"Staff and students have been advised through a variety of communication channels and are being kept updated as new information comes to hand," the university spokeswoman said. "Some academic tests had been scheduled and these have been relocated or rescheduled as required.

The university goes on Easter and mid-term break from tomorrow and students are not back on campus until April 16.

Staff working next week will be able to use the Human Sciences building.

Northern fire communications shift manager Murray Bannister said the university's sprinkler system was set off at 2.52am today and eight fire appliances were sent to the campus.