Large fire at Hastings packaging factory

Firefighters have spent all night battling an intense blaze at a Hastings packaging factory.

A staff member contacted emergency services at about 11.15pm yesterday after fire broke out at the Hawk Packaging factory on the corner of Coventry Rd and Tomoana Rd, Fire Service central communications shift manager Murray Dunbar said.

About 50 firefighters attended and many were still at the scene, dampening down hot spots.

The fire broke out in bales of recycled paper used to make packaging for egg and fruit trays.

The rear of the building was completely destroyed.

A fire safety officer would investigate but there was nothing to suggest the blaze was suspicious, Mr Dunbar said.