The stay-in-doors order has been lifted for Flat Bush residents following a large fire that continues to leave hundreds without power.
The fire also closed a major road which has since been reopened.
A witness close to the fire said she “heard a bang” before the power in her shop cut out and smoke started to appear in the sky.
Police said a group of shops and a transformer were alight in Chapel Rd and there were concerns over the air quality owing to the smoke.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the fire has since been extinguished but four fire trucks remain on the scene as a precaution.
Gaye Fisher, owner of Cocoon Thai Spa in Flat Bush, said the transformer made a large “bang” before the power cut out.
“I went outside and saw the smoke, and then the fire started.
The power outage covered quite a wide area and firefighters had told her to stay inside and close her doors and windows, she said.
Auckland Transport said on social media that Chapel Rd between Ormiston Rd and the southern end of Michael Jones Drive was closed due to the fire.
“Avoid this area or expect delays with diversions in place affecting all traffic, including bus services,” the agency said.
The road reopened at 2.30pm.
A massive power outage has been reported as a result of the fire, stretching 6.7km down Chapel Rd. According to the Vector website, the outage was reported at 12.35pm and it is not known when it will be resolved.
Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the Herald since 2022.
The Newmarket Business Association says there is no further threat to the area.