A digger will dismantle the charred and smouldering remains of a South Island mill as firefighters dampen flare-ups nearly 12 hours after the blaze started.
The spectacular fire, which broke out at animal feed manufacturer SealesWinslow near Ashburton about 7.40pm, has destroyed a giant processing shed.
Three firefighters were taken to hospital with burns.
Fire and Emergency southern spokesman Stephen Butler told the Herald smoke was still rising from the smouldering ruins. A heavy digger would this morning demolish parts of the blackened structure to enable firefighters to reach hot spots.
![Fire tears through the Seales Winslow animal feed plant near Ashburton yesterday evening. Photo / Ashurton Guardian](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/CHQ4AV6ZQ2HYUHMNU4ZFU37FXI.jpg?auth=0b22eb9b5289988aedccfa0df085ccd216097ef4d901ee41e416140a5528e4fc&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)