17 Aug 2022

Large fire at scrap metal yard in Woolston, Christchurch

10:24 pm on 17 August 2022

A large fire is burning at a scrap metal yard in Woolston, Christchurch.

Independent journalist Chris Lynch, who livestreamed the blaze on Wednesday night, said it had been burning since about 8pm.

The video shows a truck with a ladder blasting water at the blaze with occasional bangs.

People are urged to avoid the Garlands Road area of Woolston Christchurch.

Fire and Emergency said it was called after reports of cars on fire at about 8pm.

There were 11 trucks at the scene just after 9pm, it said.

It is believed the fire is at scrap business National Steel.

A nearby dog rescue centre has evacuated, with eight animals now being housed by the Christchurch City Council.

Abbey Vanderplas from the centre said she could feel the heat from the blaze from their compound.

"The smoke coming off it is black, thick toxic-looking smoke and the commotion, there are sirens going and rubberneckers everywhere.

"It's a lot of noise for the dogs and a lot of unnecessary stress for them - they don't need to be seeing the flashing lights and hearing all the explosions all night.

"So we've set them all up, they've got a bone to chew on, their jackets are on and they're bunkering down in the animal control shelter for the night."

Vanderplas said she thought it would take a long time to put the fire out.

Residents in the area have posted images of the blaze on social media.