Smoking chemicals prompt emergency scare

AUCKLAND - Firefighters and army explosive experts were trying to find out what chemicals had caused a reaction when they were inadvertently mixed at a south Auckland industrial site today.

Workers at the Grayson Road site in Manukau were crushing rubbish early today when it began giving off orange smoke.

Fire Service spokesman Paul Radden said the chemicals were found when the smoke was investigated.

One man was treated by ambulance officers after inhaling the smoke but he was not badly affected.

Mr Radden said firefighters wearing protective clothing and army explosive experts were also called to the scene.

Some of the rubbish was found to be slightly radioactive and that would be disposed off in a safe place, Mr Radden said.

"They have pretty much ascertained what chemicals were there and how they react. They have also notified OSH (Occupational Safety and Health)," he said.

- NZPA