Fire at Whittaker’s Porirua: Chocolate factory assessing the damage, person treated for smoke inhalation

Whittaker’s are assessing the damage at their Porirua chocolate factory after a fire left one person with smoke inhalation.

The overnight fire was confined to one piece of equipment and was very rapidly contained, a Whittaker’s spokesperson said.

Investigations into the damage and any possible impact on business operations are still in the early stages.

“[We] will be working to minimise any potential disruption to our business, which we think is minimal at this stage based on our preliminary assessment.”

Fire and Emergency NZ was first alerted to a building fire on Mohuia Crescent at 10.45pm, central shift manager Jill Webley said.

A second alarm was transmitted on arrival, with brigades from Porirua, Johnsonville, Titahi Bay, Wellington City, Thorndon, Remutaka and Kilbirnie called to help.

Webley said the fire was located in a chocolate hopper and was contained about 11.20pm. A hopper holds chocolate for use in the manufacturing process.

One person suffered from smoke inhalation and was transported by ambulance.

The famous Kiwi chocolate brand said, “all staff are safe and our priority right now is to ensure they have access to the support they need”.