Auckland Emergency Management appreciates that air quality around the city centre is of significant interest to residents and businesses following the fire at the SkyCity International Convention Centre.
“While we cannot definitively talk to the toxicity of this particular incident, all smoke from fire is toxic,” says Sarah Sinclair, Acting General Manager Auckland Emergency Management.
“We are following the advice of the Auckland Regional Public Health Service and we encourage everyone to stay out of the smoke.
“We don’t believe the smoke from this incident is more toxic than other fires, however people, especially the elderly, young children or those with pre-existing health conditions, should avoid it. Rely on the nose test – if you can smell it, you should move yourself out of it.
“If you live in the city centre, please keep your windows closed and turn your air conditioning off. Building managers and bodies corporate are encouraged to support their tenants,” she says.
If people are experiencing discomfort or any irritation, they should leave the immediate vicinity. If people are concerned or feeling unwell, contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free, 24-hour health advice.
“Auckland Council’s fixed air quality monitor on Queen Street has experienced a spike, showing the quality at this location has decreased in the past day,” says Ms Sinclair.
“This is not unexpected. However given the weather conditions today, the air quality away from the smoke plume is not generally worse than prior to the fire.”
