More than 40 fire crews have responded to a significant blaze at a Taranaki meat processing plant which is now out, but firefighters are still working at the scene.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
The fire at Taranaki By-Products in Okaiawa, near Hawera, reached fourth-level alarm - alerting many crews from further afield to respond.
It was reported shortly before 11am this morning.
Nelly Leroy lives nearby and saw lots of thick black smoke pouring into the air. He said it looked like a difficult task for firefighters.
"It would have happened pretty quick. It'd be maybe four stories tall, the roof - so it'd be pretty hard to get anyone up there."
Shortly before 3pm Fire and Emergency shift manager Murray Dunbar said crews are now dampening down hotspots at the 100m by 70m building.
The structure is isolated, so there is no risk of the blaze spreading, he said, but it was likely firefighters would be at the scene for some time.
Dunbar estimated up to 80 crews from across the district would be on site during the afternoon and evening.
Everyone who had been inside the building has been accounted for, but people are asked to avoid the area.