Auckland Central Fire Station Evacuated Over Asbestos Discovery

Auckland’s Central Fire Station was evacuated after tests confirmed the presence of asbestos in the building. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) announced that dust samples taken from the station yielded positive results for asbestos, leading to immediate action to ensure the safety of staff and the public.

In a statement, Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler expressed disappointment at the unexpected findings, which were revealed following routine testing conducted in July 2025. “This is a result we were not expecting,” she said. “However, we have no reason to believe that there has been any further spread of asbestos beyond the initial rooms since it was removed in September 2024.”

The evacuation of the station, located on Pitt Street in Auckland, is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting personnel and the community. FENZ has initiated a thorough assessment of the building to ensure that all necessary safety protocols are followed.

The discovery of asbestos is taken seriously due to its potential health risks, particularly for those who may be exposed to it over an extended period. As a result, FENZ is working closely with environmental health experts to assess the situation and plan the next steps for remediation.

While the station is temporarily closed, fire services in Auckland will continue to operate from alternate locations to ensure that emergency response capabilities remain intact. FENZ has assured the public that there will be no disruption to fire services in the city.

The organization is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the process, providing regular updates as more information becomes available. This incident highlights the importance of ongoing safety assessments in public buildings, especially those that serve critical emergency functions.

As the situation develops, FENZ encourages any concerns from the public to be directed to their local offices. The agency aims to resolve the asbestos issue swiftly and safely, ensuring that Auckland’s fire services can return to normal operations as soon as possible.