Spectators who watched a cleanup after a factory fire in Onehunga early yesterday were taken to hospital suffering from sore throats and headaches.
The fire began about 2.30 am and destroyed a warehouse at the Neilson St premises of pest firm Rentokil.
Twenty-one workers from two neighbouring factories who could not resist a look were later taken by ambulance to Auckland Hospital. They were discharged yesterday afternoon.
Rentokil production manager Kevin Honeybun said about two tonnes of rat bait was the only poison kept at the site.
It took firefighters almost an hour to get the blaze under control, said the chief fire officer for Auckland City east, Ray Warby.
The area was sealed off and firefighters wore protective clothing and breathing apparatus during the operation.
Mr Honeybun said early indications were that the fire was caused by an electrical fault in a machine which then sparked a fire in some sacking, but that was unconfirmed.
The Rentokil offices would be closed for at least a week.
Some of the 25 staff had been seconded to other branches.
Toxic chemicals released by the fire were taken to a chemical disposal company nearby.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from New Zealand
Waitangi Tribunal turns, 50 but there’s no cause to celebrate - John Tamihere
The Waitangi Tribunal turns 50 - happy birthday to you.