FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: New Zealand team safely evacuated after hotel fire incident in Auckland

New Zealand's Women's FIFA World Cup 2023 squad faced a temporary evacuation from their Auckland hotel on Saturday due to a fire incident. The team confirmed that all players and staff were safe following the incident. Details regarding the cause of the fire were not immediately available, but a spokesperson from the Fire and Emergency service informed AFP that there were "multiple blazes" at the hotel, which were successfully extinguished. While some individuals were treated for smoke inhalation, fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.

A hotel staff member informed AFP that the smoke affected the upper floors, but the situation was promptly brought under control. The fire service stated that they do not suspect any foul play, suggesting that the incident was not suspicious in nature.

NZ Football released a statement confirming the temporary evacuation of the Football Ferns team and staff from the Pullman Hotel, which served as their team base for the FIFA Women's World Cup. The timely response ensured the safety and well-being of all team members and staff during the evacuation.

"New Zealand Football can confirm that the Football Ferns team and staff have been temporarily evacuated from the Pullman Hotel, their team base for the FIFA Women's World Cup, due to a fire," NZ Football said in a statement.

New Zealand co-hosted the World Cup alongside Australia, and their campaign began with a successful opening match, where they secured a 1-0 victory against Norway on Thursday. Despite the fire incident, the team remained focused on their tournament participation and safety measures ensured the continuation of their World Cup journey.