A power transformer burst into flames in the Auckland suburb of Flat Bush on Tuesday afternoon.
Thick black smoke could be seen rising above the suburb and those living in the area were advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed.
"At 12:30pm, we got multiple calls that a fire had broken out in the vicinity of some shops in Flat Bush, Ōtara," a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said.
"On arrival we found that a power transformer was on fire."
Images showed what appeared to be the transformer engulfed in flames.
The fire had since been extinguished, the spokesperson said.
Pedestrians were advised to avoid the area and the public was asked to follow emergency services' instructions, police said.
Auckland Transport said bus route 35 services were being detoured "until further notice".
