Firefighters still at St Lukes blaze

Today's fire at Modus Architectural Lighting at St Lukes. Photo / Janna Dixon

Firefighters were this evening still dampening down hotspots after a major fire at an Auckland lighting firm opposite St Lukes shopping Mall.

The fire broke out about 10.45am today at Modus Architectural Lighting, in Wagener Place, which was closed because of the holidays.

Fire communications manager Colin Underdown said the building was well alight by the time the first fire crews arrived at the scene.

The fire had to be tackled by a unit with specialised extension equipment which could work above the flames.

Up to 12 fire crews battled the blaze with black smoke casting a pall over parts of the city.

Courier driver Krishneel Kumar was one of the first on the scene.

He said he was delivering parcels nearby when he saw smoke rising and rushed to see if he could help.

He found Modus ablaze and rang the fire brigade.

He then rang the owner of the business, Brian King, who is holidaying in Dunedin.

Mr King said he was shocked by the news of the fire.

"Oh good god, I know almost nothing about what is happening," he said.

The business is flanked by warehouses, including Toy Warehouse and Storage King, with at least two apartment buildings nearby.

Modus is one of the country's biggest specialist lighting firms, founded 25 years ago.

It supplies lighting for Auckland Sky Tower, the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Parliament. It also outfits art galleries, schools, hospitals and airports throughout the country.

The cause of the fire was still being investigated tonight.

Staff are due to return to work on Monday.

- NZPA