PENROSE FACTORY FIRE

It took 50 firefighters to put out a central Auckland factory blaze on Thursday night. A massive cloud of smoke smothered the area in Penrose as firefighters battled the enormous blaze. The Humes Pipeline Services’ building was inspected by a structural engineer and the inspector ruled part of the building would need to be demolished. Rail services were diverted during Friday morning rush hour along the eastern line between Otahuhu and Britomart. Bus services shuttled affected train passengers around the line closure. Northern Fire Communications Centre acting shift manager Carren Larking said the Thursday night fire ‘‘escalated quite quickly’’.

SCAMMER WARNING

Scammers are posing as police officers and demanding money to release family members they claim to be holding in custody. Auckland City Police said it was investigating several incidents of scammers targeting the Indian community and impersonating police officers. Detective sergeant Bridget Doell said the scammers called victims up and told them they’d just arrested a member of their family and then demanded significant amounts of money for their release. In some instances victims were asked to provide itunes vouchers instead of cash, Doell said. Members of the public who think they’ve been targeted can get in touch with the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit on 09 302 6400.

GET ACTIVE

Half a million dollars is up for grabs in a bid to get Aucklanders more active. Auckland Council is releasing a $508,000 fund to support regional sport regional sport and recreation organisations. Auckland Council spokesperson Mace Ward said the grants would be awarded to organisations seeking operational funding for regional projects and activities that helped inspire and encourage Aucklanders to live healthy and more active lifestyles. For further information about eligibility and to apply for the grant, visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ sportgrant. Applications close on December 8 with funds available from July.