Poison fears as blaze destroys factory

There were concerns that hazardous chemicals might have been released by the flames. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Firefighters battled a huge factory fire in the Auckland suburb of Ellerslie last night, but were unable to save the building.

Decontamination teams were call in when the blaze threatened to release hazardous materials, including asbestos. There were no reports of injuries to firefighters or factory staff.

The Fire Service was called to Cawley St, in Ellerslie, where thick, black smoke was pouring from a boat manufacturing and fibreglass laminating company.

The blaze, which began about 6.30pm, sent a pall of smoke and fumes across the Southern Motorway and closed the Ellerslie-Panmure offramp.

Up to 52 firefighters and 20 fire trucks attended the blaze.

Investigators were to return to the site today to try to establish the cause of the fire.

There were concerns that hazardous chemicals, including asbestos, might have been released.

But Tania Matthews, of northern fire communications, said residents were not thought to be in any danger.

The Auckland Regional Council was also called on site to decide whether nearby residential homes should be evacuated.

From his office in the James and Wells Tower building, Martin Rattray saw flames shooting up through the roof of the Sea Craft premises and called the Fire Service.

"There was a lot of dark smoke and it was well alight by the time the Fire Service arrived."

Witness Maureen Taumateine said: "The building's just burned down - it's just black. There's still a few bits standing up but the building is totally gone, destroyed."

- Additional reporting: Wayne Thompson