Firefighters are responding to a significant fire at a commercial warehouse in Wairau Valley. Video / Dean Purcell
A thick black cloud of smoke is billowing from a blaze on Auckland’s North Shore.
The fire was at a recycling plant in Wairau Valley.
Thirty-six Fire and Emergency NZ appliances and other specialist vehicles attended the inferno.
Firefighters have tonight fought a blazing inferno at a recycling plant on Auckland’s North Shore that saw a huge fire ball erupt and shrouded the area in a thick black cloud of smoke.
And as firefighters battled the huge blaze, locals were told to avoid the area and close all doors and windows.
The fire was at the Abilities Group recycling plant in Wairau Valley, with management saying they are “heartbroken”.
North Shore-based Auckland councillor Richard Hills said at about 8.30pm emergency services had the “situation in hand, which is great news”.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW LIVE UPDATES
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The Fire and Emergency officer in charge of the fire response, Assistant Commander Barry Thomas, said shortly before 9pm that crews were now continuing to work on extinguishing the fire within the building.
“Sixteen fire trucks, four ladder trucks, four specialist appliances and twelve support vehicles from across Auckland and from Hamilton, plus around 90 personnel are responding.” he said.
“There are lithium-ion batteries in the fire inside the plant and the fire continues to produce toxic smoke.
“We continue to urge people living nearby to stay inside and keep their windows closed. There is no immediate need to evacuate unless advised to do so.“
Roads remain closed in the area.
“Please stay away so our crews can get on with the job of extinguishing the fire.”
Earlier, a large fireball could be seen erupting from the scene.
And Hills urged people to stay away from the area and keep their doors and windows closed.
“Thank you so much to [Fire and Emergency] and the huge numbers of firefighters from across the shore and the city who are helping on this blaze, thank you for putting yourselves in harm’s way to protect our community,” he said.
“You’re absolute heroes.
“For those asking, we have our Auckland Council Environmental health and compliance monitoring teams on site assessing the impacts.
“We will update you with any information you need to know ongoing for your health and about the effect on the environment.
“But everyone will know there will be hundreds of thousands of litres of water that has gone into the stormwater and waterways that will have contaminants in it. Further advice to come.”
Soon after the fire broke out in the early evening, a resident posted on Facebook: “The smell of the smoke is awful, and it looks massive from Bayview”.
A worker from a rock climbing gym close by said they “called the fire brigade” and saw “big grey fumes”.
A thick black cloud of smoke is billowing from a blaze at an address on Auckland’s North Shore. Photo / Facebook
Another witness reported seeing multiple fire trucks heading across the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
The smoke was visible across the city, with photos from Parnell showing the smoke cloud rising into the air.
Smoke from the North Shore fire is visible from Parnell. Photo / Matt Martel
An emergency alert was sent out by Fire and Emergency New Zealand urging people nearby to stay indoors.
As fire fighters battled the fire, Hills told locals to be careful.
“As you will have seen, there is a very large and very serious industrial fire on Hillside Rd, Glenfield/Wairau.
“I hope everyone is okay. Thank you to Fire and Emergency NZ, who are on-site leading this difficult work.”
Nearby residents have been urged to stay inside to avoid toxic smoke. Photo / Dean Purcell
He told people nearby:
Stay away from the area and close doors and windows if they are in the area.
Follow the advice of emergency services and leave the area if this is required.
Do not travel to the area if they do not need to, keep the area clear for emergency services and for those who may want to or may have to leave the area.
If they are safe to stay in the area, remain indoors and shut windows and doors.
Turn off air conditioning or switch to “recirculate”.
Keep pets inside with clean water and food and keep pets’ bedding inside if possible.
Smoke inhalation can be particularly dangerous for certain groups, including elderly or pregnant people, young children, those with a heart or lung condition, such as asthma or heart disease.
Abilities Group management tonight posted on social media about the fire.
“We’re heartbroken to share that a fire has caused severe damage to our recycling charity premises,” the post read.
A large fireball is seen during the blaze in Wairau Valley. Photo / Breana Drummond
Police said they were assisting with cordons on Hillside Rd and Hillside Rd/Diana Drive.
Hills’ initial advice also said “if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma or chest pain please see your doctor immediately or call 111″.
“For health advice, you can also call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116.”
Kaipātiki Local Board member John Gillio also urged people to “please keep away as the smoke could be toxic”.
“If you need to evacuate and need shelter, Glenfield Baptist Church at 46 James St has kindly offered temporary space and will stay open as long as needed.“
The Glenfield Baptist Church added it was offering a temporary space for people who need a place to go during the fire and will stay open as long as needed.
Firefighters are tonight battling an industrial fire on Auckland's North Shore, with locals urged to stay inside to avoid toxic smoke. Photo / Dean Purcell
“We have toys and activities we can set up for any anxious little people needing a safe space tonight. Can probably cope with some pets too.”
Glenfield Baptist Church chairman Skip Parker told the Herald it was currently on standby for anyone who may need help.
He said the church was in contact with the police, who will send anyone its way.
At this stage, no one has required any assistance.
“This is a good sign that people are safe,” Parker said.
A Bayview resident said the “smell is getting worse and worse ... really strong and plastic/chemical-smelling”.
“I walked outside, and it gave me a pretty instant headache. Clearly a lot of burning plastic with a thick, strong chemical smell to the air.”
Upper Harbour MP Cameron Brewer said: “Our hearts go out to the amazing Abilities Group in Wairau Valley with its devastating fire tonight.
“As local MPs, Dan Bidois and I have visited and know their great work in the community well.
“This huge recycling centre in Upper Harbour, right on the Northcote boundary, operates as a charity, employing many people with disabilities.
“Tonight, we could see and smell it from Hobsonville Point. Please follow official advice and keep well clear to enable our emergency services to do their work.”
