Fire investigators are sifting through a burnt out lodge in Auckland searching for clues as to what started the blaze.

The fire at the City Garden Lodge in Parnell broke out Sunday afternoon sending people scrambling out of windows to escape.

Police have not yet confirmed whether the fire is being treated as suspicious.

The Council was due to conduct an audit on the building and double check its safety standards tomorrow.

Reporter Jordan Dunn spoke to Ben Strang.