North Shore fire: Chemical run off pollutes Auckland waterways

• Chemical runoff from the fire on Auckland’s North Shore has polluted waterways, closing two beaches.
• Fire crews remain at the Wairau Valley recycling plant after battling the blaze overnight.
• The recycling charity is “heartbroken” by the damage but grateful no one was hurt.

Chemical runoff from the monster blaze at an industrial business on Auckland’s North Shore has polluted waterways and forced the closure of two beaches.

Safeswim is advising on its website that the water is not safe to swim in at Milford or the Wairau outlet due to the fire upstream.

Councillor Richard Hills said millions of litres of water was pumped into the fire which then went into the catchments.

Shift manager Josh Pennefather said crews were still at the scene but their presence is reduced.

Firefighters in Wairau Valley battle the huge blaze - locals were told to avoid the area and close all doors and windows. Photo / Caleb Timms

Fire and Emergency crews were called to the large fire at the recycling plant on Hillside Rd in Wairau Valley at 5.24pm.

Witnesses reported seeing multiple fire trucks rushing to the scene, and the smoke was visible across the city.

Bronwyn Patterson, who lives two streets from the blaze, told the Herald that “things went boom, with projectiles going into the air”.

Firefighters battle a huge industrial fire on Auckland's North Shore, with locals urged to stay inside to avoid toxic smoke. Photo / Dean Purcell.

“Things landed in our backyard, maybe they were paper, plastic, or it could’ve been bits of roof,” she said.

“The smoke was very black.”

Pennefather said crews were on the scene this morning after a gruelling night.

“We’ve been rotating crews out regularly ensuring sufficient breaks.

“Come daylight we will have heavy machinery on site to help us fully extinguish the fire.”

A fire investigator would also be on the scene.

“The risk of smoke is greatly reduced... if anyone does have any concern, keep doors and windows shut and call 111.”

A thick black cloud of smoke is billowing from a blaze at an address on Auckland’s North Shore. Photo / Facebook

Last night, residents had told the Herald of “a thick, strong chemical smell to the air” and “instant headaches”, when walking outside.

Emergency alerts had instructed residents to “Stay inside, close all windows and doors and wait for further instructions”.

A temporary safe space was set up at Glenfield Baptist Church for the public during the fire.

MP Dan Bidois said: “I’m devastated to see the fire at Abilities Group, an outstanding and important organisation in our community.

The recycling charity where the fire broke out said it is “heartbroken” by the “severe damage”.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt, but much of what we’ve built together over the years has been lost,” it said.

“We’re working with the authorities, and are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and kind messages.