Fire at Manukau Library in South Auckland under control, says Fire and Emergency

A basement fire forced the evacuation and closure of the Manukau Library in South Auckland today.

Auckland Council Head of Community Libraries South and East Kim Taunga said about 15 staff present at the time worked quickly to safely evacuate everyone at the library.

"No one was injured," Taunga said.

"The library has been closed for the rest of the day and staff have been allowed in to collect their personal belongings.

"We are assisting the fire service with their inquiries."

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said it was an electrical fire in the basement of the library.

Seventeen appliances attended - including 11 pumps, three specialist appliances and three aerials. Photo / Will Trafford

Seventeen appliances attended the blaze - including 11 pumps, three specialist appliances and three aerials.

The spokesperson said the fire had been brought under control by 2pm.

It is unclear whether or not the library will open tomorrow.

Manukau Library is on fire

Posted by Helen Lois on Sunday, 1 December 2019

The public library in the Manukau town centre. Photo / File