Papakura scrap metal yard fire: Black smoke spews across Auckland, crews contain blaze

• Fire and Emergency crews have contained a large blaze at a scrap yard in Papakura, Auckland.
• An emergency alert issued at 5.55pm remains in place, urging people in the area to stay inside and close doors and windows.
• Nearby residents said the fire smelled like chemicals and burning plastic.

Fire crews have contained the large fire at a scrap metal yard in the South Auckland suburb of Papakura; however, it is expect to take longer to fully extinguish the blaze.

Photos and videos of the scene earlier today showed large plumes of black smoke covering the sky across the industrial area.

Crews were seen arriving at Global Scrapmetal Solutions on Hūnua Rd to tackle the blaze.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said they responded to a large structure fire on Hūnua Rd in Papakura, which was alerted at 4.32pm.

“(We) have 15 fire trucks at the scene, including three aerial appliances, as well as a command unit and support vehicles.”

Assistant Commander Chris Delfos said the initial crews who responded are being relieved by fresh firefighters.

At 5.50pm Fire and Emergency issued a “stay inside” notice to people in the area.

“A fire at an industrial property in Hunua Rd, Papakura, is producing large amounts of smoke.

“Everyone to the south of Hunua Rd must stay inside with doors and windows shut to avoid being exposed to the smoke.”

Firefighters tackle a blaze at Global Scrapmetal Solutions on Hūnua Road in Papakura. Photo / Dean Purcell

A staff member at a nearby business first noticed the fire about an hour ago and said it was getting larger.

They described black smoke pouring out of a building.

“We have heard five sirens so far.”

Firefighters tackle a blaze at Global Scrapmetal Solutions on Hūnua Road in Papakura. Photo / Dean Purcell

One local said the fire smellt like chemicals when it first broke out.

“I live right across from it. I came to my parents around the corner to get away from the smoke.”

Firefighters tackle a blaze at Global Scrapmetal Solutions on Hūnua Road in Papakura. Photo / Dean Purcell

Another local said “it smelled like burning plastic”.

“So strong I thought something was melting as I was cooking. I had to close all doors and windows.”

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