Large blaze at University: 'people shaken'

BREAKING NEWS: We were advised of a small fire at the University of Auckland's Maidment Theatre at around 5pm this afternoon however we have been told the blaze has turned large and is fighting hard.

Sixty firefighters are at the University of Auckland's Maidment Theatre battling a large blaze which started when a curtain caught fire.

An automatic alarm was activated at 4.35pm and shortly after staff from the university phoned emergency services to say there was smoke showing from the theatre, fire communications shift manager Nicole Bernard said.

Bernard said the first crews on the scene quickly called for backup and were still fighting the fire.

The Maidment Theatre tweeted: "In all seriousness though, it's pretty scary and unnerving to see what's going on. Luckily we're all fine - just a bit shaken and worried."

The theatre is next to the university's student union complex on Princes St. Princes and Alfred streets have been closed because of the fire.

A university spokeswoman said a  full investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire already.

She said about 30 people were in the building at the time and all were evacuated safely.

Mark Stewart tweeted: "Judging by the sheer volume of fire trucks, Maidment theatre must be pretty serious. :("

And Damon Colbert posted: "Holy crap, some serious fire action in the maidment theatre. Seven engines and the hazard response team with breathing gear."

The theatre, which can seat more than 400 people, hosts a diverse programme of local, national and international events.