Supermarket in Warkworth evacuated and one injured after chemical leak

A chemical spill has forced the evacuation of Countdown supermarket in Warkworth. Photo / File

One person has been injured in a chemical fire, which caused staff to be evacuated from a Countdown supermarket at Warkworth north of Auckland this morning.

A Fire Service spokesman said a rubbish bin was on fire outside the supermarket, which is believed to have been caused by tubs of a chlorine product splitting open at about 5.30am.

He said St John are at the scene after a staff member complained about "sore eyes and a burning face".

Fire crews have managed to put the fire out.

"Crews are donning level three splash suits to put out the chemical reaction," the fire service spokesman said earlier this morning.

Firefighters are now being decontaminated.

A Countdown spokesperson said the fire was in one of the outdoor bins at the Warkworth store.

"A damaged box of pool chemicals, which we sell, was placed in the bin and has reacted to something. We will investigate this further to ensure it doesn't happen again.

"No one was hurt. This has now been put out by local fire fighters and the
store has reopened.

Three fire trucks from Warkworth, a hazardous materials unit and support crews were at the scene.

Auckland Council's pollution line has been called because there's concern run-off will go into drains.

Neville St is closed.