KEY POINTS:
A fire that destroyed a North Shore jewellery valuation store yesterday morning was so intense it caused a flashover that left one of the first firefighters on the scene with burns.
The blaze broke out on the second floor of GemLab's Lake Rd premises in Takapuna about 7.15am yesterday.
It is understood the company's owner, Paul Nilsson, had just come out of a shower area in the back of the building when he noticed the fire and managed to escape.
By the time firefighters arrived flames were leaping out of the windows and smoke could be seen from as far away as the other side of the Waitemata Harbour.
Fire Safety Officer Russel Dickson said the fire was so intense that it flashed across the room just as the first firefighters were entering the building.
One fireman was burned on the wrist, possibly by falling melting metal which either went through his glove or found an area of exposed skin between the glove and protective jacket.
St John transported the firefighter, who had minor to moderate injuries, to North Shore Hospital, along with the asthmatic building owner who was suffering from smoke inhalation.
The fire caused major damage to GemLab and water damage to the computer store below the valuation company. Mr Dickson said it was too early to say last night what started the blaze but it was not thought suspicious.
Speaking on behalf of GemLab, Simon Angelo said all of the jewellery that had been in the building was stored in a safe and was not damaged.
Records and valuations had also been stored on backup discs that were not kept in the office so they too were secure.
Mr Angelo said staff had spent the day calling customers to let them know how they could collect their belongings.
The company was expected to move into temporary premises in Takapuna and reopen as soon as possible.
