Port operations suspended! A cargo ship carrying hazardous materials caught fire.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) received the alarm for the incident at about 5.30am. Three fire crews New Plymouth, one from West New Plymouth and one from Oaokura, along with four specialist support vehicles, were sent to the scene to control the fire.
On arrival, firefighters found a drum containing 40kg of phosphorus trichloride (an inorganic compound that is highly toxic), which was contained in a figation tent used to control pests in the hold of the ship, was alight.
The fire was extinguished shortly after 8am and the dangerous goods were alsoised. The drum, which released corrosive smoke during the burning process, was then decontaminated by firefighters.
St John (providing ambulances and medical) confirmed that ambulance officers assessed eight crew members at the scene and none required hospitalisation.
Taranaki Ports chief operating officer Alex Park said the investigation was ongoing but findings indicated the drum may have been affected by moisture, which then caused the fumigation tent to heat up and burn.
Park confirmed the fire was contained within the drum there was no damage to port infrastructure or the ship. Wharf operations were fully restored by 9am.
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