Auckland SkyCity Convention Centre fire: CBD residents wake up feeling sick from smoke
Wednesday, 23 October 2019
Auckland CBD residents reported feeling queasy as they woke up to smokey apartments on Wednesday morning.
Despite emergency services crews working throughout the night, the fire that broke out at SkyCity Convention Centre on Hobson Street at 1.10pm on Tuesday had not yet been contained
'When I got home last night there was this really strong smell inside my place, like burning plastic, from the fire,' Michelle Wilson, a 23-year-old shop assistant living on Albert St, said.
'I got used to it overnight, but when I woke up I felt quite ill.'
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German backpacker Lisa Fischer, also staying on Albert St, said she felt 'a bit queasy' inside the apartment where she was couch-surfing and planned to leave the city on Wednesday.
On Victoria St West, next to the Sky Tower, pedestrians covered their faces with scarves and masks to avoid breathing in the smoke.
Policemen and firefighters stationed on the street were wearing large gas masks.
Auckland Transport said the road closures applied to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as drivers.
Auckland Regional Public Health Service issued a public health alert on Tuesday advising members of the public to stay away from the CBD and out of the smoke if they could.
Residents were advised to keep windows closed and shut down external ventilation if smoke was being drawn into their buildings.
ARPHS said if the smoke had caused shortness of breath or worsening of asthma symptoms to see a doctor. Food preparation areas and cooking surfaces in areas affected by the smoke should also be wiped down.
People who smoke, the elderly, children and those with heart disease, asthma or lung conditions were at greatest risk of harm from smoke inhalation and should avoid exposure.
Anyone with health concerns should call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or seek medical assistance.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand also sent out an emergency mobile alert to all businesses and residents the vicinity of the fire shortly before 7pm on Tuesday.
It advised people to stay away from the smoke, stay indoors and keep windows closed.