The fire at the metal recycling plant in the Auckland suburb of Papakura has been extinguished.
It started on Wednesday afternoon, thick, black smoke billowing from the fire causing an emergency mobile alert to be issued.
Fire and Emergency said one fire crew was continuing to monitor the site.
Emergency alert send to phones in the area. Photo: RNZ
It was understood to be at the Global Metal Solutions site on Hunua Road, which had previously caught fire in January and March 2021.
Speaking to Morning Report on Thursday, Manurewa-Papakura Ward councillor Angela Dalton said this was "not [Global Metal Solutions'] first rodeo".
"Papakura residents - quite rightly - will be wanting some answers to the question as to how this continues to happen."
In a statement, Global Metal Solutions managing director Craig Tuhoro said the cause was still being determined. He said the business had experienced a "flame-up incident" while cleaning the yard.
"Most importantly, our people are safe. Their wellbeing is our top priority, and we are taking this matter seriously."
Tuhoro said Global Metal Solutions would resume operations soon "continuing our commitment to responsible metal recycling and waste separation, constantly improving our processes to enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental outcomes".
Fire and Emergency assistant commander Chris Delfos told Morning Report there had been a "worldwide trend" of fires in recycling places.
"I don't want to jump to any conclusions yet, but often it's caused by lithium-ion batteries that are thrown away with recycled material."
Delfos said Fire and Emergency would be working with Global Metal Solutions to see what it could do to prevent future fires. It did not respond to whether any further action would be taken against the metal recycling plant.
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