North Shore fire: Two recycling workers fought blaze until it ‘exploded’, beaches off limits due to chemical runoff

• Chemical runoff from the fire on Auckland’s North Shore has polluted waterways, leaving three beaches off limits.
• Fire crews remain at the Wairau Valley recycling plant after battling the blaze overnight.
• The recycling charity is “heartbroken” by the damage but grateful no one was hurt.

Two workers fought a fire that ignited in a North Shore recycling plant and thought they had it under control until it “started exploding”.

The huge fire last night sent flames leaping into the night and plumes of toxic smoke across the city, triggering a massive emergency service response.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said today the fire may have been caused by lithium batteries.

Chemical runoff from the monster blaze has polluted waterways and leaving three beaches off limits.

Safeswim’s website advises that water is not safe for swimming at Milford, Castor Bay and the Wairau outlet.

Councillor Richard Hills said millions of litres of water was pumped into the fire which then went into the catchments.

Assistant Commander James Hall said three fire trucks and two ladder trucks are working with two diggers to fully extinguish the fire.

“While there are small flare-ups, there is no significant smoke and the lithium-ion batteries involved in the fire are no longer a hazard.

Firefighters in Wairau Valley battle the huge blaze - locals were told to avoid the area and close all doors and windows. Photo / Caleb Timms

“The emergency message alert advising people to stay inside was lifted during the night.”

He said an investigation was under way into the cause of the fire and crews are expected to remain on the scene until later this afternoon.

The Herald also understands two workers inside the building when the blaze ignited thought they almost had the fire under control, but then it “started exploding”.

A Herald reporter at the scene today said recycling rubbish was strewn around the building and Hillside Rd, which is closed to cars.

Firefighters were still extinguishing hot spots. A ladder appliance is shooting water over the rubbish and remains of the building, alongside two large diggers moving rubble around.

The “pungent” smell of burnt metal was still prominent in the air, she said.

A brief heavy rain downpour may have assisted efforts to dampen hot spots, but light gusts of winds are causing the smell of burnt debris to travel across the Wairau and Glenfield area.

Bystanders and locals have been taking videos and photos of the aftermath.

Firefighters battle the huge industrial fire on Auckland's North Shore. Photo / Dean Purcell

Auckland Council said residents close to the fire should still keep their windows and doors closed until the smoke and fumes completely disappeared.

“The council is monitoring the site closely and will conduct a thorough investigation.”

Earlier, shift manager Josh Pennefather said crews were still at the scene but their presence is reduced.

Fire and Emergency crews were called to the large fire at the recycling plant on Hillside Rd in Wairau Valley at 5.24pm.

A North Shore recycling factory was destroyed by a huge fire last night. Photo / Alex Burton

Witnesses reported seeing multiple fire trucks rushing to the scene, and the smoke was visible across the city.

Bronwyn Patterson, who lives two streets from the blaze, told the Herald that “things went boom, with projectiles going into the air”.

“Things landed in our backyard, maybe they were paper, plastic, or it could’ve been bits of roof,” she said.

A thick black cloud of smoke billowed from the blaze. Photo / Facebook

“The smoke was very black.”

Pennefather said crews were rotated last night, ensuring sufficient breaks.

A fire investigator would be on the scene today.

“The risk of smoke is greatly reduced ... if anyone does have any concern, keep doors and windows shut and call 111.”

Last night, residents had told the Herald of “a thick, strong chemical smell to the air” and “instant headaches”, when walking outside.

Emergency alerts had instructed residents to “Stay inside, close all windows and doors and wait for further instructions”.

A temporary safe space was set up at Glenfield Baptist Church for the public during the fire.

MP Dan Bidois said: “I’m devastated to see the fire at Abilities Group, an outstanding and important organisation in our community.”

The recycling charity where the fire broke out said it is “heartbroken” by the “severe damage”.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt, but much of what we’ve built together over the years has been lost,” it said.

“We’re working with the authorities, and are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and kind messages.