Fire breaks out at Northcote College in Auckland

AUCKLAND, 20 February 2026  A major fire ripped through the sports pavilion at Northcote College on Auckland's North Shore this afternoon, breaking out during a one-hour strike by the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union and raising urgent questions about emergency response times.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) received calls about the blaze at approximately 12.15pm. Because the fire broke out during the union's strike action, the Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade — nearly half an hour away — attended, even though the closest fire station at Birkenhead is just four minutes from the school.  FENZ confirmed that during the strike hour, it was relying on volunteer brigades, with volunteer crews taking around 30 minutes to reach the scene compared to the usual seven minutes.

Large flames shot from the burning block and plumes of black smoke billowed into the air, with the building engulfed in flames. Parts of the building's facade fell away and the central section of the roof caved in. Smoke was visible as far away as the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

The school confirmed an "active fire" in the sports pavilion, saying all students had been evacuated to the other end of the campus and were safe.  The school announced it would close for the day at 2pm, noting that some students were unable to retrieve their bags due to the evacuation.

More than 40 firefighters ultimately battled the blaze. Police blocked off access to the school entrance on Kauri Glen Road, and Auckland Transport reported delays on Onewa Road between Lake Road and Birkenhead Avenue due to the emergency services presence.

The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. An email to students and whānau with further information was expected to be sent later in the day.