Investigations into massive Hawke's Bay blaze

Lisa Rapley posted this Twitpic of the fire. Photo / supplied

A major fire at a packaging plant in Hastings overnight has been brought under control, but fire crews are likely to remain working at the site until tomorrow.

Eighty firefighters from around the North Island have been working since about 8pm last night at Hawk Packaging on Tomoana Rd to put out the fire, which sent smoke billowing into the sky and flames leaping 20 metres into the air.

The blaze quickly spread through an area 100m x 50m containing pallets stacked with paper and cardboard for the upcoming apple harvest packaging, which fuelled the fire, said a fire communications spokesman.

Crews from as far away as Palmerston North, Woodville and Dannevirke have made steady progress on the fire, which has now been downscaled, said Assistant Area Commander Nigel Hall.

"It has been brought under control. We have no concerns about it spreading,'' he said.

Two Bronto aerial fire trucks equipped with long-reaching mechanical ladders and remotely-operated water jet systems were sent from Napier and Palmerston North to help contain the fire.

The intense heat activated the internal sprinkler system of a nearby factory.

Earlier, a firefighter was taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital suffering from heat exhaustion.

Five remaining crews were dampening the area and some deep-seated fire in packaging material was being turned over by diggers, he said.

Two fire inspectors have arrived at the site and were conducting interviews and carrying out a scene investigation.

It was too early to say whether the fire was suspicious, said Mr Hall.

He expected firefighters to remain at the site for the rest of the day and probably through until tomorrow.

Residents from neighbouring houses were initially evacuated but have since been allowed to return home.

Hastings police sergeant Bryan Smith said an evacuation plan was in place for nearby residents but was not needed.

It is understood to be the third fire to damage the plant in the past year.

Most recently, a processing plant within the factory was damaged in a blaze in October.