Businesses evacuated over chemical fumes in Papatoetoe, Auckland

11:17 am on 15 October 2025
FENZ chemical spill fire call out in Papatoetoe - Oct 15 - can be used as a generic

A firefighter at the scene of a chemical fire. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi

A number of workers have been evacuated after chemical fumes were coming out of a business in Auckland's Papatoetoe.

Firefighters from seven crews were called about 8.15am to the scene at a storage bunker of a commercial business in Norman Spencer Drive.

Quantum Pacific site - FENZ chemical spill fire call out in Papatoetoe - Oct 15

Firefighters outside Quatum Pacific. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Fire commander Chris Delfos said the fumes came from a product used to make dishwashing tablets.

Delfos said they initially evacuated the buildings as they didn't know what the substance was, but now they can confirm there is no danger from it.

Delfos said the fumes resulted from the chemical product oxidising - possibly as a result of reacting with water.

He said the chemical has been removed from the premise, and workers have been allowed to return to the buildings.

FENZ chemical spill fire call out in Papatoetoe - Oct 15 - can be used as a generic

Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi

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