Suspicious fire erupts at Pakuranga McDonald’s

A major fire at a McDonald’s restaurant on Pakuranga Rd in East Auckland is being treated as suspicious, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

The blaze, which began around 3pm, sent smoke billowing across the suburb and led to the evacuation of nearby buildings and closure of the road in both directions.

Emergency services responded with six fire trucks, including a ladder unit, and quickly brought the fire under control.

The restaurant was found “well alight” on arrival, but no injuries have been reported. A fire investigator has been requested, and Pakuranga Rd has since reopened.

That fire at McDonald’s Pakuranga Rd must be substantial, smoke seen all over east Auckland – from Pakuranga Rd (Howick Pakuranga Times) and from across the Tamaki estuary in Glendowie pic.twitter.com/NdirCyF4NB

— Tim Murphy (@tmurphyNZ) May 5, 2025

Another building on fire in Auckland.

A McDonald’s in the Auckland suburb of Pakuranga is on fire this afternoon, spewing smoke across the East Auckland suburb. A police spokesperson said Pakuranga Rd has been closed in both directions and that road users are advised to avoid… pic.twitter.com/xcOJ8om3kz

— Kayke (@Kayke777) May 5, 2025

Another photo of the McDonald’s blaze – published on The Howick and Pakuranga Times pic.twitter.com/6yCN4sFtly

— Tim Murphy (@tmurphyNZ) May 5, 2025

All this from the Pakarunga McD’s fire – what the hell are they putting in the burgers? pic.twitter.com/SDvlPoSXqV

— Michael Field (@MichaelFieldNZ) May 5, 2025