KEY POINTS:
The Fire Service is not ruling out a suspicious start to the huge fire in Penrose that has cost local businesses millions.
Fire officer Ray Coleman said it was difficult to gather physical evidence
on the cause of the fire because the blaze had destroyed most of the building and was not yet extinguished.
It had been burning since Saturday evening.
The Fire Service will make a preliminary report tomorrow based on observations of the freezing works.
"Although the ongoing fire is making things difficult, we can come to initial conclusions from information around the site," said Mr Coleman.
Firefighters were still unable to enter the site yesterday afternoon, as fire had engulfed all four floors.
Senior Station Officer Richard Toomey said the building, which was four storeys in places, had collapsed on top of the fire.
That made it too risky to send firefighters in on the ground, and instead ladder trucks were being used.
Firefighters had brought in a large crane to try to reach the isolated part of the complex that was still burning. "We've just got a larger demolition crane - the big digger ran out of reach," Deputy Chief Fire Officer Roger Callister said. While the new crane had enough reach, even it was not certain to put the blaze out.
"It can reach where we see the fire but it depends on how deep down the blaze goes."
At the height of the blaze, described by some long-time Fire Service staff as the biggest in Auckland in decades, more than 100 firefighters worked in shifts to bring it under control.
Last night there were still 10 fire trucks, with about 40 staff, at the blaze.
Nearby roads have been reopened, as has a railway line that runs past the site.
People working in businesses in the area have been allowed back to their premises, but on the condition that they leave again if asked.
The large blaze in Penrose has caused damage estimated at $4 million to 10 companies and left close to 100 people out of jobs.
The businesses affected include a surplus trading company, builders, landscapers, a meat-exporting business and a fencing yard.
Graham Torckler, whose company Computer Recycling was consumed in the fire, was devastated at his losses but confident his business would be up and running again soon.
"We are hurting, like the rest of the businesses here," he said.
"But if we can find a new premises we can start again immediately, and hopefully keep our clients."
- additional reporting NZPA
