Update On Southdown Freezing Works Fire

Over 30 fire appliances, 120 firefighters and dozens of support personnel have an extensive fire in South Auckland under control.

A large section of the abandoned Southdown Freezing Works has now collapsed after being damaged by an earlier fire in December 2008.

Crews and support personnel from throughout Auckland have been called in to assist and all aerial appliances from the region, including Hamilton's, are being used to pour water onto the buildings.

Overnight Incident Controller, Auckland Region Manager Brian Butt, said the fire was reported just after eight o'clock last evening and since then they have been working to prevent it spreading to businesses that operate in part of the complex. "The firefighting operation is going smoothly but we expect it will take a couple of days to extinguish and there are likely to be hot spots flaring up for several more days." he said.

The area is well clear of any homes and while there is asbestos in the building, the Auckland Regional Public Health Service believes there is little risk to the public as the smoke from the fire is being blown across scrubland and out across Manukau Harbour. Rain is also helping to dampen down the dust. Public health officials will be back at the site during the day to carry out further assessments.

Train lines that pass the area have been shut down and the public is advised to stay away.

ENDS

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