Cambridge recycling site fire; monitoring and investigation underway

A fire at the ResourceCo demolition waste recycling facility on Cambridge Road earlier today has been contained, with ongoing monitoring in place.

Emergency services responded just after 6am this morning, with a large volume of smoke visible during the fire, and steam generated, as it was brought under control. While the fire has been extinguished, a number of hot spots remain and are being actively managed onsite.

A coordinated, multi-agency response has been in place, including Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Waikato Regional Council, public health officials, and council staff.

Council’s environmental health and compliance teams have attended the site. Air quality monitoring has been undertaken by Waikato Regional Council, and the Medical Officer of Health has provided public health advice.

Results received this afternoon indicate that ‘health-based air quality guidelines are not expected to be exceeded beyond the site boundary’. Air quality monitoring will continue over the weekend.

Waikato Regional Council is also assessing any potential impacts including water runoff from the site.

District growth and regulatory services group manager, Wayne Allan, said the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

“Council will work closely with the site operator and relevant agencies to understand the cause and ensure all consent conditions are being met. Any necessary follow-up actions will be taken,” he said.

Updates will be provided via Council’s website and social media channels as more information becomes available.