A major road in the inner city Auckland suburb of Parnell has been closed this morning after a fire in a commercial premises drew a large response from firefighters and police.

Emergency services were called to a three-story commercial building on Parnell Rd around 6:45am, where a fire had broken out on the ground floor.

Delays are being reported in the area after a section of Parnell Road, between Garfield Street and St Stephens Avenue, has been fully cordoned off.

A police spokesperson said motorists are advised to seek an alternative route.

Fire & Emergency NZ confirmed the fire has now been extinguished.

Seven fire trucks and one ladder truck were called to the scene at just as traffic was beginning to build around the city.

The Parnell crews were the first to arrive from their new station.

Police were organising traffic control around the busy thoroughfare.

Earlier, fire crew could be seen outside the building wearing breathing apparatus and using multiple hoses to contain the fire.

It was not exactly clear which shop the fire began in, but fire crews were surrounding the Paper Plus NZ Post store. There were also broken windows in the adjacent store.

A fire engulfed a building on Parnell Rd at 6:45am on July 14, 2025, causing traffic delays. Photo / Michael Craig

A fire engulfed a building on Parnell Rd at 6:45am on July 14, 2025, causing traffic delays. Photo / Michael Craig