Fire at McCain Foods Timaru Potato Storages

A woman has been taken to hospital with respiratory problems following a large fire at McCain Foods' potato stores in Timaru this morning.

Flames, reportedly 20m high, were seen rolling out of one of four empty potato storage sheds.

Thick, black and toxic smoke blanketed properties bordering the Meadows Rd site and nine fire appliances were brought in to fight the inferno.

About 70 workers were evacuated, then moved to two different assembly points.

About two people had asthma attacks as a result of the acrid smoke, thought to be from burning polyurethane foam insulation. 

It was said the fire broke out in the internal lining of the empty potato store block.

Update 2010/1/14