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• A thick black cloud of smoke is billowing from a blaze on Auckland’s North Shore.
• The fire is believed to be at a commercial premises on Hillside Rd, Wairau Valley.
• Multiple fire trucks have been seen heading across the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

A thick black cloud of smoke is billowing from a blaze at an address on Auckland’s North Shore.

As firefighters battle the huge blaze, locals have been told to avoid the area and close all doors and windows.

The smoke is believed to be pouring from a fire in the area of Hillside Rd, Wairau Valley.

The fire is at the Abilities Group recycling plant, with management saying tonight they are “heartbroken”.
A large fireball could be seen erupting from the scene.

“The smell of the smoke is awful, and it looks massive from Bayview,” a resident said on Facebook.

A worker from a rock climbing gym close by said they “called the fire brigade” and saw “big grey fumes”.

A thick black cloud of smoke is billowing from a blaze at an address on Auckland’s North Shore. Photo / Facebook

Another witness reported seeing multiple fire trucks heading across the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

The smoke is visible across the city, with photos from Parnell showing the smoke cloud rising into the air.

Smoke from the North Shore fire is visible from Parnell. Photo / Matt Martel

An emergency alert was sent out by Fire and Emergency New Zealand urging people nearby to stay indoors.

North Shore councillor Richard Hills said he has also told locals to be careful.

“As you will have seen there is a very large and very serious industrial fire on Hillside Rd, Glenfield/Wairau.

“I hope everyone is okay. Thank you to Fire and Emergency NZ who are on site leading this difficult work.”

Nearby residents have been urged to stay inside to avoid toxic smoke. Photo / Dean Purcell

He told people nearby:

• Stay away from the area and close doors and windows if they are in the area.
• Follow the advice of emergency services and leave the area if this is required.
• Do not travel to the area if they do not need to, keep the area clear for emergency services and for those who may want to or may have to leave the area.
• If they are safe to stay in the area, remain indoors and shut windows and doors.
• Turn off air conditioning or switch to “recirculate”.
• Keep pets inside with clean water and food and keep pets’ bedding inside if possible.
• Smoke inhalation can be particularly dangerous for certain groups, including elderly or pregnant people, young children, those with a heart or lung condition, such as asthma or heart disease.

Abilities Group management tonight posted on social media about the fire.

“We’re heartbroken to share that a fire has caused severe damage to our recycling charity premises,” the post read.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt, but much of what we’ve built together over the years has been lost.

“We’re working with the authorities, and are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and kind messages.

“That’s all we can say for now at this challenging time. Thank you for standing with us.”

Nearby resident Lachy Chor told the Herald a Fire and Emergency crew member told them to go upstairs and close all the windows and doors.

Chor lives next to the Abilities Group recycling centre, where the smoke is pouring from.

Chor said there “are so many fire trucks, I’ve never seen so many”.

“I can hardly see anything out of my windows.”

A large fireball is seen during the blaze in Wairau Valley. Photo / Breana Drummond

Police said they are assisting with cordons on Hillside Rd and Hillside Rd/Diana Drive.

Hills’ advice also said “if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma or chest pain please see your doctor immediately or call 111″.

“For health advice you can also call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116.”

Kaipātiki Local Board member John Gillio also urged people to “please keep away as the smoke could be toxic”.

“If you need to evacuate and need shelter, Glenfield Baptist Church at 46 James St has kindly offered temporary space and will stay open as long as needed.“

The Glenfield Baptist Church added it was offering a temporary space for people who need a place to go during the fire and will stay open as long as needed.

Firefighters are tonight battling an industrial fire on Auckland's North Shore, with locals urged to stay inside to avoid toxic smoke. Photo / Dean Purcell

“We have toys and activities we can set up for any anxious little people needing a safe space tonight. Can probably cope with some pets too.”

Glenfield Baptist Church chairman Skip Parker told the Herald it is currently on standby for anyone who may need help.

He said the church was in contact with the police, who will send anyone its way.

At this stage, no one has required any assistance.

“This is a good sign that people are safe,” Parker said.

A Bayview resident said the “smell is getting worse and worse... really strong and plastic/chemical smelling”.

“I walked outside, and it gave me a pretty instant headache. Clearly a lot of burning plastic with a thick, strong chemical smell to the air.”

Upper Harbour MP Cameron Brewer said: “Our hearts go out to the amazing Abilities Group in Wairau Valley with its devastating fire tonight.

“As local MPs, Dan Bidois and I have visited and know their great work in the community well.

“This huge recycling centre in Upper Harbour, right on the Northcote boundary, operates as a charity, employing many people with disabilities.

“Tonight, we could see and smell it from Hobsonville Point. Please follow official advice and keep well clear to enable our emergency services to do their work.”

More to come.