Smell of gas in Auckland sparks school evacuation, FENZ call-outs

Fire and Emergency crews have been chasing the smell of a gas leak in several Auckland locations on Thursday morning.

Incident reports have recorded at least four callouts relating to hazardous gas at locations across the city.

Police had also received a report about a gas leak in Mount Roskill.

Fire and Emergency shift manager Colin Underdown told RNZ there had been a gas main strike on Dominion Road at about 8.30am.

The leak was clamped and fire crews left the scene just before 11am, he said.

However, crews had been investigating the smell of gas starting in Takanini, and moving further out to Penrose and Panmure.

Underdown believed it to be separate to the Dominion Road leak.

He said they were currently unsure about the source of the smell. Vector was also investigating, he said.

Those in affected areas were urged to ventilate, and avoid ignition sources while doing so.

Meanwhile, Panmure District School was evacuated due to the smell of gas.

Acting principal Michael Greenwood said it was done as a precaution, and fire crews had since given the all clear.

"Students and staff have now returned to their classrooms and the school has resumed its normal programme," he said.