The Abilities Group recycling plant in Glenfield burnt down on Thursday night. Photo: RNZ / Kaye Albert
Auckland Council says it's monitoring the potential health and environmental effects of a devastating fire at a North Shore recycling plant on Thursday.
The blaze at the Abilities Group plant in Glenfield sent plumes of toxic smoke over the city before it was contained that evening.
Robert Irvine, the council's general manager for licensing and compliance, said the safety and health of local residents was its "primary concern".
"We're also monitoring the potential health and environmental effects of the fire and conducting a full investigation at the site."
It was important to note that once the fire was extinguished, the risk of air pollutant was "dramatically reduced", he added.
"The smoke and any pollutants from the blaze would have dissipated by now.
"While there may be some residual odours from the site, this would be in very close proximity.
"If you are close to the site, and depending on the wind, we recommend keeping any windows closed if there are concerns."
Irvine said the Auckland Council Environmental Health team and a Regional Public Health officer had conducted inspections of neighbouring properties on Friday and did not find any evidence of asbestos contamination.
Materials from the site were still being tested, he added.
Residents should follow Health NZ advice on cleaning up safely, or call the council's pollution hotline on 09 377 3107.
