Truck fire that blocked lanes on Auckland motorway extinguished

5:09 pm today

A rubbish truck fire that caused delays on Auckland's northwestern motorway has been extinguished.

Earlier, drivers were warned to turn off air conditioning and keep windows closed because of the fire.

The truck had been on fire since about 2.15pm on Tuesday, with two lanes closed westbound.

By 4.30pm, the fire has been extinguished and Fire and Emergency said all its appliances had left the scene.

In video footage from the scene, a large truck and trailer could be seen on the side of the motorway with at least two fire trucks, one with a basket above the truck, spraying water on top of it.

Police and traffic control vehicles were also at the scene.

Photo: Supplied / Mary Beattie

Fire and Emergency shift controller Colin Underdown said it was rubbish that was on fire and firefighters did not know exactly what materials were burning.

That was why drivers had been urged to do what they could to avoid breathing in the fumes.

Police said the incident has caused delays on the motorway.

On its website at the time, the NZ Transport Agency said: "Due to a truck fire before the Rosebank Road off-ramp, the left two westbound lanes are blocked.

"Expect delays and pass the scene with care. Follow the directions of emergency services."

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