It could be up to 24 hours before a fire in a 1600-tonne pile of scrap metal fire at an Auckland yard is extinguished.
Fire-fighters are running in hose lines from more than a kilometre away as they battle the "very large" fire in a pile of shredded motor vehicles and scrap metal.
The fire at the scrap yard. Photo: Supplied / Roger Callister
More than 80 firefighters and 20 fire engines are at the scene at Sims Pacific Metals in the suburb of Favona.
The fire was reported just before 2am.
The burning mound of chopped-up car parts and whiteware is about 80 metres long, 50 metres wide and 12 metres deep.
Fire Service spokesperson Barry Fox said the crews had managed to isolate the fire.
The fire in a scrap metal business in the Auckland suburb of Favona. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett
He said there was a building near the pile of crushed cars, which included roofing, tyres and plastic, but they had managed to stop it spreading in that direction and there was now "good separation".
Mr Fox said due to water issues in that area, the fire crews had been forced to run their hose lines from a kilometre away and this would have an impact on road closures.
James Fletcher Drive between Saville Drive and Walmsley Road is expected to be closed off from the public for at least several hours.
Fire-fighters were using aerial platforms and ground hoses to douse the flames, but Mr Fox estimated it would take between 12 and 24 hours to put out.
Mr Fox said residents were being advised to keep their windows closed and stay indoors, and motorists have been warned to avoid the area.
The cause of the fire was not yet known.
The fire started at 2am, and there was still smoke hours later. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett
