A fire that broke out in an Auckland Central nightclub basement is now being considered suspicious by police.

Emergency services rushed to G.A.Y on Karangahape Rd at 1.40am on Sunday.

Crews found the 40x20m fire in a two-storey basement, which was quickly extinguished, and the building was cleared of smoke.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said the fire happened in a rubbish bin inside a bathroom at the nightclub.

“Based on our enquiries to date, police consider the fire is suspicious,” Friend said in a statement released today.

“Our enquiries are still in the early stages, which will include reviewing available CCTV footage and speaking further to any witnesses.

“We continue to keep an open mind as to why this event occurred.”

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said an automatic fire alarm activated at 1.40am on Sunday.

The road was blocked while Fire and Emergency worked, and a fire investigator was called to the site.

Hato Hone St John said one person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

A fire investigator was called to the site.

Anyone with information that could assist our enquiries can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 251123/9438.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.