Warehouse fire in Avondale, West Auckland under control

Fire appliances at a fire near Rosebank Road in Avondale today Photo / Brett Phibbs

Around 70 firefighters battled a blaze in West Auckland that involved potentially hazardous chemicals.

Assistant Area Commander John Booth said 16 fire trucks were called out around 7pm to the fire on Rosebank Rd. The sprinkler system had activated at the AZKO Nobel building. Booth said some people were in the building and saw the fire start.

"The fire service arrived and found the building totally smoke logged and the sprinkler system operating.

"We found quite small fire within the high racking of the building."

HAZMAT teams were also called in after fire crews found hazardous substances at the property - including acetylene cylinders and a dangerous goods store.

The cause of the fire was believed to be an old electrical appliance.

Booth had no fears for anyone's safety throughout the incident as everyone was accounted for. He said the building sustained a bit of water and smoke damage. The crews were ventilating the property and pushing out the water. He thought the building would be operational by midday tomorrow.

"The building has been saved by the sprinkler system. It's done exactly what a sprinkler system is designed to do.

"We're very pleased with the way everything has run."