Multiple explosions that almost sounded like "cannon fire" were heard as a fire destroyed multiple vehicles in a staff carpark at Whangārei Hospital this afternoon.
Emergency services responded to reports of the blaze at around 2pm on Tuesday.
A column of thick black smoke earlier billowed from the carpark and was visible from across Whangārei.
Fire and Emergency NZ said the fire had since been contained and crews were dampening down hotspots. Around 28 cars were damaged in the inferno with an unknown number of them destroyed, FENZ confirmed.
Speaking to 1News, fire investigator Jason Goffin said it was believed the blaze may have been caused by a vehicle with a hot exhaust pipe that ignited long grass.
The fire then spread to nearby vehicles amid strong wind in the area, according to Goffin, who said CCTV surveillance footage of the area was being examined.
"At this stage, we're reasonably confident that nothing unlawful has transpired and this is the result of an accident."
A nearby resident to the hospital, Rick, told 1News that the fire began small.
"Then it gradually just got massive, and then just explosions everywhere. It was nuts."
He added: "It was almost just like cannon fire in a sense. Just one after another."
Onerahi Volunteer Fire Brigade senior firefighter Michael Chubb said there was a "very pungent" smell in the air. "That burning rubber smell. Quite toxic," he said.
Five fire trucks and around 20 firefighters earlier tackled the blaze, responding from the Onetangi, Portland, Kamo, and Whangārei stations.
Fire investigators were now attending to the scene.
"The public is asked to please avoid the immediate area while emergency services are in attendance," a police spokesperson said. "Residents and anyone in the nearby area are also asked to close their windows at this time."
Janine Cubitt, who was visiting her mother at the hospital, said at least 10 cars had been destroyed by the blaze.
"I didn't see it start, but it very quickly engulfed lots of cars," she said.
"They were blowing up, some of them."
Health NZ Te Tai Tokerau group director of operations Alex Pimm said the hospital remained open and patient care continued as firefighters tackled the blaze.
"There are no reports of injuries and we are working with Fire and Emergency and NZ police to ensure staff and patient safety."
A hospital staff member told 1News the smoke had a very strong smell and that she felt she should stay inside for her own safety.
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