Fire and Emergency NZ is at the scene of a large fire on Auckland’s North Shore this evening, coming from the Abilities Group Recycling Depot in Wairau Valley.
Large dark plumes of smoke could be seen stretching across multiple suburbs.
Abilities Group, where the fire is taking place, is a recycling charity which has “a heart for people with disabilities”.
“Our aim is to enrich their lives by offering fulfilling work opportunities,” its website states.
FENZ said it was alerted to the fire at 5.24pm.
“It is understood there are batteries on fire inside the factory,” it said.
It said multiple crews were responding from across Auckland.
“There is a large amount of smoke showing from the roof of the building and we ask people in the area to stay inside and close windows. Roads have been closed in the area.
“Please stay away so our crews can get on with the job of extinguishing the fire.”
An emergency mobile alert was issued to people in the area at 6.25pm this evening.
“There is a large fire at a recycling plant on Hillside RD WAIRAU VALLEY which is producing large volumes of smoke,” the alert read.
“STAY INSIDE, close all windows and doors and wait for further instructions. No immediate need to evacuate unless advised to do so.”
Local board member Richard Hills said the blaze was a “very large and very serious industrial fire”.
Earlier, photos posted to social media showed thick dark smoke billowing over Wairau Valley.
Fire crews were understood to be responding from Takapuna, Albany, East Coast Bays, Auckland City, Silverdale, Birkenhead and Parnell with additional appliances en route from other stations across Auckland.
Local board member John Gillon said there was a “massive fire on Hillside Drive, Wairau Valley”.
“A huge amount of black smoke can be seen from across the North Shore,” he said. “Emergency services are in attendance. Please keep away as the smoke could be toxic.
“If you need to evacuate and need shelter, Glenfield Baptist Church at 46 James Street has kindly offered temporary space and will stay open as long as needed.”
Police said officers were assisting with cordons on Hillside Rd and Hillside Rd/Diana Drive.
