Counties Manukau Police say Pakuranga Road is open again in both directions following a dramatic fire that broke out at the McDonald’s fast-food restaurant before 3pm this Monday afternoon.

Investigations into the cause of the fire at the McDonald’s are now underway, police say.

“Police would like to thank the public for their patience while the fire was extinguished.”

Earlier, a Times reporter at the scene on Pakuranga Road said about eight Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) trucks and crews were fighting to put out the dramatic blaze, and police had closed nearby streets to traffic because of the smoke.

The McDonald’s Pakuranga restaurant is situated next to a Z fuel station at 472 Pakuranga Road, opposite Lloyd Elsmore Park, near the corner of Fortunes Road.

Pakuranga Road was closed in both directions, and travelling from Howick it was closed at the intersection with Bucklands Beach Road.

Counties Manukau Police said at 3.30pm, “emergency services are in attendance at a building fire on Pakuranga Road”.

“The fire, at the McDonald’s restaurant, was reported to police at about 3pm.

“At this stage there are no reports of injury,” said police.

“Pakuranga Road has been closed in both directions and road users are advised to avoid the area.

“People are being evacuated from buildings in the immediate area as a precaution,” police said earlier.

The Times appreciated the photographs sent in by staff and members of the community.