Large fire in Westport closes road, residents told to close windows and doors

10:20 am on 18 June 2023
Generic fire truck.

Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Some Westport residents were asked to close windows and doors early on Sunday morning as a nearby fire at a dump sent black smoke billowing into the air.

Fire and Emergency said a car and a number of tires were on fire, polluting the air around Craddock Drive.

Two fire engines from the Westport station and water tankers from Granity and Waimangaroa were sent to the scene.

The local council would also use a digger to pull the smouldering pile of debris apart.

FENZ said the blaze had been mostly extinguished, but steam was still rising from the site.

The cause of the fire was not yet known.

Police said no injuries had been reported but there was a "large amount" of smoke in the area.

"Nearby residents are advised to close windows and doors", a statement said.

Craddock Drive was also closed as a result of the fire, and was expected to stay closed for several hours.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and follow diversions."