Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland food court fire spreads to MIQ facility

Fire crews attending at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Photo / Dean Purcell

Fire and Emergency are investigating a blaze that has ripped through an Auckland food court and spread to a managed isolation facility.

Emergency services were called to the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 2.30pm in Auckland's CBD after guests were evacuated.

The blaze had extinguished once firefighters arrived.

The Crowne Plaze Hotel was evacuated following a fire. Photo / Dean Purcell

The fire is believed to have started in a food court on level one of Elliott St, a Fenz spokesperson told the Herald. The building is connected to the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Elliott Stables is a "dining village" on Elliott St offering 12 international eateries.

Elliott Stables have been approached for comment.

A Managed Isolation and Quarantine spokesperson said the fire activated the hotel lobby's alarm.

"Fire and Emergency NZ responded; those within the walking area at the time of the alarm, safely remained there for the duration of the evacuation, including eight returnees.

"Emergency evacuation and preservation of life must always be the priority in such situations. MIQ staff worked to ensure the eight returnees safely followed evacuation procedures and remained at the designated assembly point.

"The safety of our staff and returnees is our top priority to ultimately ensure the safety of our community."

All MIQ facilities operated in a level 4 environment, the spokesperson said.

"In evacuation situations where guests need to be evacuated outside, strict infection prevention controls, developed by the Ministry of Health, are followed to manage the risks of spreading Covid-19. These protocols include use of PPE and masks and physical distancing rules.

"MIQ staff ensured physical distancing was maintained and that shared bubbles within the facility were standing together. The risk was also mitigated through the use of face masks, which returnees must wear outside their rooms, and correct hand hygiene practices."

Returnees were safely returned to their rooms by 3.30pm when the facility was declared safe.