FENZ described the blaze as “well alight,” with most efforts to put out the fire done externally due to the condition of the building.
Five fire trucks and two aerial appliances were used to fight the blaze, which specialist investigators and police will be investigating today.
Smoke was seen billowing across the suburb in the early hours of the morning.
While crews focused on external firefighting, a search inside also took place.
“There were some concerns early on about squatters inside, but this has proven not to be the case,” a FENZ spokesperson said.
Residents in the area told Newshub squatters have been occupying the building over the past few weeks.
A few gentlemen, claiming to be from the Chinese Embassy, told Newshub they own the heritage building.
However, upon further questioning, they left the scene.