By Naomi Larkin
Workers sprinted to safety when drums of highly flammable solvents exploded and fire burst out at an East Tamaki chemical factory yesterday.
The fire began at Refined Solvents Ltd, in Stonedon Drive, about 2 pm. Firefighters cordoned off a 200m area around the factory and the people in neighbouring
factories were evacuated.
No one was injured in the blast.
Plant manager David Watson said that after several drums exploded in quick succession, the six staff at the factory "made a quick getaway."
"Everyone was off the site within 20 seconds," he said.
Craig Fletcher, who was working at a factory opposite Refined Solvents, said the explosion sent drums flying high into the air.
"We ran outside and saw flames everywhere and heaps of smoke. Even standing outside we could feel the heat."
South Auckland chief fire officer Larry Cocker said the fire started while workers were repairing a pump.
It was then fuelled by the flammable liquids around the plant, which included paint thinners and cleaning solvents.
About 20 fire appliances were called to the blaze, which was put out with foam.
"It [the fire] took off quite spectacularly, but once we put some foam on it it probably took about 20 minutes to extinguish," Mr Cocker said.
Although there was some concern about toxic fumes, the solvents were not high-risk and there had been no need for firefighters to wear breathing apparatus, he said.
Ian and Karine Hamilton said they saw a large column of black smoke from their Pakuranga home and drove to find the fire.
"It was humungous," Mr Hamilton said. "There was a huge tower of black smoke going high into the air. The flames were very high and full."
