Dozens of firefighters battled to contain a blaze at a scrapmetal yard in New Plymouth on Friday night.
The fire sent up plumes of thick black smoke which could be seen throughout the city. Locals were told to shut doors and windows to avoid what could be toxic fumes.
The blaze broke out around 5pm at Molten Metals on Centennial Dr, near the Paritutu tank farm. Twelve appliances and two water tanks were sent to the scene.
Fire and Emergency says it appears the fire started when a crane hit powerlines, which ignited a fire in an area of scrub and bush.
The crane's driver was only released from the compartment of his vehicle at 10am, NZME reports, too dangerous to extract him before then because of the entangled powerlines.
Newshub.
