Southland Alliance Group Lorneville meatworks fire triggers toxic gas evacuation at plant

A Southland meatworks has been evacuated after a fire triggered elevated levels of toxic gas inside the plant.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager Daniel Crosson said four trucks responded to an automatic fire alarm at the Alliance Group Lorneville plant at about 5.40am.

On arrival, all staff were safely evacuated and accounted for.

The building was filled with smoke, prompting a second alarm.

Two additional trucks and a command unit were dispatched.

Once the fire was contained, crews detected elevated levels of hydrogen sulphide inside the plant.

Hydrogen sulphide is a colourless, flammable and toxic gas with a pungent, rotten egg odour.

Ventilation fans were used to successfully disperse the gas.

Hato Hone St John has been approached for comment.