Waiuku residents had been told to watch their water use after the town’s reservoir was drained fighting a large rubbish fire that burned through the night.
After earlier warnings to keep their windows and doors shut to ward off toxic smoke, the township faced a drastic water shortage after efforts to control the blaze drained the local water reservoir.
Watercare asked people to only use water if it is essential, as the town’s supply fell to 3%.
However, Watercare has told the Herald tankers have refilled the reservoir and ensured a reliable water supply for the community.
“There’s no longer a need to conserve water – people can use water as they normally would." a spokesperson for Watercare said.
This morning, police confirmed they were treating the fire as suspicious.
A local business owner told the Herald he heard there was footage of a man running from the scene moments before the fire broke out.
He claimed the fire started in Future Post’s warehouse, away from any machinery, so he believed there was a “rare chance” it started by accident.
Fire and Emergency referred this statement to police, who said there were no further updates at this stage.
The man recounted his terrifying journey to his store after seeing the flurry of social media posts about the blaze.
He told the Herald he could see the large orange flames illuminating the sky and thick clouds of smoke billowing from 20km away.
The power to the cameras surrounding his store quickly shut off, so he was left with an anxious drive, praying his livelihood would be intact.
The man arrived along with many of the fire engines, and with the wind blowing in the right direction, his store, filled with thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise, was spared from the massive blaze.
“It was pretty wild,” he said.
People were being advised to cover their faces and mouths if they were in the affected area near Kitchener Rd, and to only leave the house for essential reasons.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they received multiple calls at 10.55pm yesterday.
At its peak, the fire covered an area of 100m by 60m, with mostly plastic burning, along with six shipping containers.
Sixteen fire engines were called in from 13 fire stations across Auckland, and more than 60 firefighters battled the blaze through the night.
The fire ripped through the Waiuku business park, which contains a recycling centre, a plastic fence post manufacturer, a panel-and-paint store and a laundromat.
Before refilling the reservoir, Watercare said it had four tankers trying to refill the supply, but urged locals to avoid running the dishwasher or washing machine and to have short showers.
As of 5am, the fire was contained but not extinguished and seven crews remained at the scene.
There are no reports of injury and a police guard remains in place. A scene examination is due to be carried out today.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand urged residents to keep windows and doors shut and stay inside.
“Remember to also keep the ventilation systems in your house and car turned off.
“We also advise people in the affected area to wear a face mask or cover their nose and mouth with clothing if going outside for essential reasons.
“If the smoke causes respiratory problems, please ring Healthline for free advice on 0800 611 116 or see your doctor if you have breathing difficulties or chest pain.”
Photos from the scene showed huge clouds of thick smoke rising from the fire. Large orange flames illuminated the night.
The Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade said that several roads were closed as firefighters battled the blaze. Auckland Transport has confirmed the roads have reopened.
The brigade also advised residents in the area to be mindful of wind changes and any smoke from the fire.