The Fire Service closed off several streets in the Auckland CBD to deal with an electrical fire at a switchboard in the ANZ Tower.

The building was evacuated after smoke was reported on the 39th floor. Several streets were cordoned off around the ANZ Tower on Albert street as fire units ventilated the building.

Firefighters quickly put out the blaze on the 38th floor which was contained to an electrical switchboard. The Fire Service sent 10 pumps, 2 aerial units, a canteen unit, the hazardous materials unit, a breathing apparatus unit, the fire police and numerous chiefs to the scene. Traffic in the area was completely sealed off.

ahh.. except that I a) saw all the fire engines and b) saw all the firemen I had no idea, in the office next door, that streets had been cordoned off. At 1pm today the ANZ Tower was still a no-go-zone. I guess all those lucky people got to go home. yay them. dim us.