Smoked out ...
A scrap metal fire at an industrial area in Lower Hutt could burn for days, Fire and Emergency says.
The blaze which was first reported around 6.45am yesterday began when a machine used to cut up old fridges set fire to foam insulation.
Fire and Emergency NZ communications shift manager Carlos Dempsey said the blaze had settled down but firefighters would continue to turn over material to dampen hotspots.
This activity was continuing to cause small flare-ups.
He anticipated yesterday that crews would be working to extinguish the fire at Macaulay Metals well in to the evening.
‘‘It’s quite possible they could be there overnight,’’ he said. ‘‘We may have to rotate crews through. It could take days to extinguish.’’
One person was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation, while buildings surrounding
Macaulay Metals in the suburb of Seaview were evacuated as smoke spread from the large fire.
Fire and Emergency HuttWairarapa assistant area commander Matthew Abel said the large fire was at the western end of a large scrap metal pile.
The pile was about 60 metres long, 20m wide and 10m high.
‘‘There was a significant amount of toxic black smoke,’’ he said yesterday.
‘‘At the moment, we have two aerial appliances putting a large amount of water on to [the fire].’’
Police were initially warning motorists to avoid Seaview Rd in Petone, which had been closed at both ends.
Nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
Hutt City Council earlier advised people in the area to stay indoors, close windows and turn off airconditioning units.
The elderly, children, smokers, and those with heart disease, asthma or other lung diseases were particularly at risk, it added.
The council has advised people to seek medical attention if they have been exposed to the smoke and are feeling unwell.