Located in the heart of Auckland CBD, a fire broke out at New World Victoria Park yesterday.
It was reported that the supermarket was under renovation, and the blaze started on the mezzanine roof space and spread inside to the aisles.
Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin said it was an incredibly challenging day for the team at New World Victoria Park after a fire broke out and took hold in the store.
“I want to say thank you to our customers who were in the store at the time. We know it must have been alarming, and we appreciate your calmness and cooperation,” said Quin.
“To the team on the ground: your quick, calm and professional actions were what ensured everyone was evacuated safely.”
The Fire and Emergency Service resolved the fire. Emergency services quickly moved customer vehicles in the car park, and the New World Victoria Park team was on hand to assist.
Quin said that helping people exit a busy supermarket without panic was no small task, and the feedback from customers about how the New World Victoria Park team handled it spoke volumes.
“A big thanks, too, to the emergency services for your rapid response to this event. Myself and the New World Victoria Park store's Owner-Operator, Steve Purton, are very grateful for everything you've done so far to get this situation under control.”
Two crews of firefighters remained at the Victoria Park New World supermarket in Auckland, following yesterday’s fire, and the section of Victoria St between College Hill and Franklin Rd remained closed.
The fire was extinguished last night, and the firefighters are monitoring hotspots. Further assessment and observations were to be made after daybreak, using an aerial appliance.
The property is extensively damaged, and fire investigators returned to continue working on establishing the origin and cause of the fire.
Incident Controller Phil Larcombe said that Fire and Emergency expects to maintain a presence at the scene for most of today.
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