A large fire broke out at Euro Car Parts on Great South Road in Manurewa, South Auckland, on Sunday, sending massive plumes of black smoke across neighbouring suburbs and impacting access to major roads. Residents received an emergency mobile notification instructing them to remain indoors, seal all doors and windows, and steer clear of the danger zone.
Third-Alarm Emergency Brings 18 Fire Trucks to Manurewa
Fire and Emergency NZ said firefighters battled the blaze with multiple appliances present to help the efforts. “The incident has been upgraded to a third alarm to get extra resources, bringing 18 fire trucks and approximately 72 firefighters to the scene,” officials stated. Due to the scale of the emergency, a portion of Great South Road was closed to traffic.
Fire crews responded from the Manurewa, Ellerslie, and Papakura stations. A fire investigator arrived on-scene to find the cause of the blaze.
Did You Know? Fire and Emergency Northern shift manager Garreth Lewis reported that two piles of cars were on fire when crews arrived, noting that one pile stood 60 metres high and 60 metres wide.
Smoke Plumes and Road Closures Disrupt South Auckland
Black smoke could be seen clouding the sky from neighbouring suburbs and across the nearby motorway, slowing traffic as it attracted attention. Vehicles set for scrapping were visible next to the blaze, as a thick cloud of smoke blocked out surrounding areas. Witnesses in the area reported hearing several loud bangs resembling explosions as the fire rapidly grew in size.
Auckland councillor Daniel Newman, who lives nearby, stated that first responders were at the scene and urged residents to follow instructions from emergency services and avoid the area. Police officers headed to the fire to put cordons in place, and Hato Hone St John remained on standby.
Hotspot Checks Follow Containment of Scrap Yard Blaze
As of 8pm, the smoke cleared, and emergency warnings were lifted as firefighters checked for hotspots following the large blaze. Fire crews worked to extinguish the secondary burning piles after the main fire was brought under control. Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause, which remains under investigation by a fire investigator.
Firefighters Battle Massive Blaze at Euro Car Parts in Manurewa
When and where did the South Auckland fire start?
The flames ignited at the Euro Car Parts facility situated on Manurewa’s Great South Road roughly around 3:30pm on Sunday afternoon.
How many emergency personnel responded to the incident?
At its peak, approximately 70 to 72 firefighters operating 18 fire trucks worked to extinguish the blaze.
Were any injuries reported from the Manurewa fire?
Hato Hone St John stated that it was notified of the fire and remained on standby if required, but was not called on to treat any patients.
How did the road closures and smoke visibility impact your travel or daily routine in South Auckland on Sunday?
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