Missing person found after supermarket fire

A person unaccounted for after the New World supermarket in Kaikohe, in Northland, caught fire this morning has been found.

It was not immediately known if the person who had been missing was a staff member or customer but the Fire Service said the person had been located.

The whole supermarket was reported to be ablaze and the Fire Service said it was concerned because the next door building contained fireworks.

Northern Fire Communications shift manager Steve Smith earlier said fire crews were trying to locate the missing person.

"We've got our fingers crossed the person was just unaccounted for and they are in the crowd outside at the moment, so here's hoping," Mr Smith said this morning.

"There are at least 20 firemen there, so I imagine some will be containing it, some will be securing it and some will be looking [for the missing person]."

The area surrounding the supermarket had been cordoned off.

"The fire is still burning and more manpower has been called in to contain the fire."

The fire started at 10.24am and was still burning at about midday.

Nine fire trucks were attending the scene and an aerial appliance was being sent from Whangarei.

- NZPA, HERALD STAFF