Assistant Commander James Hall said three fire trucks and two ladder trucks are working with two diggers to open up the badly damaged structure to fully extinguish the fire.

“While there are small flare-ups, there is no significant smoke and the lithium-ion batteries involved in the fire are no longer a hazard.

“The emergency message alert advising people to stay inside was lifted during the night.”

He said an investigation was under way into the cause of the fire and crews are expected to remain on the scene until later this afternoon.

A Herald reporter at the scene this morning said recycling rubbish was strewn all around the building and on Hillside Rd, which is closed to cars due to the fire.

Firefighters were still trying to put out hot spots. A ladder appliance is shooting water over the rubbish and remains of the building, alongside two large diggers which are moving rubble around.

The “pungent” smell of burnt metal was still prominent in the air, she said.

A brief downpour of heavy rain may have assisted efforts to dampen hot spots, but light gusts of winds are causing the smell of burnt debris to travel across the Wairau and Glenfield area.

An Auckland council spokesperson said residents close to the fire should still keep their windows and doors closed until the smoke and fumes have completely disappeared.

“The council is monitoring the site closely and will conduct a thorough investigation following this incident.”

Earlier, shift manager Josh Pennefather said crews were still at the scene but their presence is reduced.

Fire and Emergency crews were called to the large fire at the recycling plant on Hillside Rd in Wairau Valley at 5.24pm.

Witnesses reported seeing multiple fire trucks rushing to the scene, and the smoke was visible across the city.

Bronwyn Patterson, who lives two streets from the blaze, told the Herald that “things went boom, with projectiles going into the air”.

“Things landed in our backyard, maybe they were paper, plastic, or it could’ve been bits of roof,” she said.

“The smoke was very black.”

Pennefather said crews were on the scene this morning after a gruelling night.

“We’ve been rotating crews out regularly, ensuring sufficient breaks.

“Come daylight, we will have heavy machinery on site to help us fully extinguish the fire.”

A fire investigator would also be on the scene.

“The risk of smoke is greatly reduced… if anyone does have any concern, keep doors and windows shut and call 111.”

Last night, residents had told the Herald of “a thick, strong chemical smell to the air” and “instant headaches”, when walking outside.

Emergency alerts had instructed residents to “Stay inside, close all windows and doors and wait for further instructions”.

A temporary safe space was set up at Glenfield Baptist Church for the public during the fire.

MP Dan Bidois said: “I’m devastated to see the fire at Abilities Group, an outstanding and important organisation in our community.

The recycling charity where the fire broke out said it is “heartbroken” by the “severe damage”.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt, but much of what we’ve built together over the years has been lost,” it said.

“We’re working with the authorities, and are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and kind messages.