Fire and Emergency says smoke from the recycling plant fire in Auckland's North Shore has lessened.
Incident controller Steven Callagher said several large buildings were damaged in the fire and a lot of toxic substances have been released as a result, due to the presence of lithium iron batteries on the facility.
He said while the cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, initial information suggests it could've been caused by lithium batteries.
Callagher said the structure is currently very unstable, and too unsafe for fire investigators to come on the scene.
He said he expects the remaining crews - about 20 - to be on the scene throughout today to dampen down hotspots, and they will also be bringing in diggers to demolish the building to make it safer and prevent the risk of things falling down on people.
Callagher said he's aware of one of the Auckland aerial appliances breaking down last night during the firefighting.
Meanwhile, shift commander Karen Larking said the warning for people to keep their windows closed has lifted - although some local roads remain closed due to concerns with visibility.
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Yesterday, assistant commander Barry Thomas said the incident had been scaled down to a "second alarm" and fire crews were working to extinguish hot spots using ladder trucks.
"There is significantly less smoke, but it continues to affect communities in Glenfield and Witheford Heights," he said.
The industrial blaze in Auckland's North Shore broke out Thursday afternoon. Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel
"We advise people to stay inside and to keep windows closed if they smell or see smoke."
At least three fire trucks would monitor the fire and work to cool the interior overnight, Thomas said.
"We'll start work with heavy machinery in the morning."
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