KEY POINTS:
Residents in a North Canterbury street where a plastics recycling factory is on fire are being evacuated due to toxic fumes from the fire.
A Southern Fire Communication spokeswoman said the fire at the New Zealand Plastics Recycling building in Kaiapoi was still burning but was contained.
There was 100 per cent damage to the building and it was very unstable, she said.
Five fire appliances and about 22 fire fighters were at the scene.
Smoke and dust from the fire had forced emergency services to evacuate Stone St, where the two storey building was located.
There was also a large amount of smoke over and throughout Kaiapoi which was of a toxic nature, she said.
"We are urging people to leave the area if possible.
"If you can't, then stay inside with doors and windows closed."
Anyone with respiratory problems was advised to contact their doctor.
- NZPA
