Fire investigation report about February 2024 incident

 

On 7 February 2024, a fire broke out at our Onehunga Resource Recovery Facility, leading to a significant operational impact. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) completed an investigation and confirmed at the time that the fire was accidental, caused by a foreign object becoming trapped in our chipping plant. This object created friction before being throw out into a wood waste pile, igniting combustible materials in the dry, windy conditions.

Thanks to the speedy response of our team and FENZ, the fire was fully extinguished with 48 hours, ensuring the safety of our local community, neighbours and our team.

Since then, Green Gorilla has taken proactive steps to enhance fire safety to minimise any future risks.

 

Invested in more fire mitigation measures

 

In collaboration with FENZ and insurance risk assessors, we have implemented additional fire safety protocols:

• Automatic deluge system – now runs after every chipping operation, dousing any potential smouldering materials.
• Fire suppression in electrical systems – a self-activating fire suppression system has been installed in switchboards.
• Dedicated onsite water storage – a new water infrastructure project is underway, expected to be completed by May 2025, ensuring improved firefighting capabilities.
• Thermal camera monitoring – a monitored thermal camera system has been installed in our main waste receiving building.
• Approved stock management controls – enhanced procedures are in place to reduce fire risks associated with stored materials.
• Regular training and fire drills – ongoing training for staff includes quarterly unannounced fire drills to ensure they are prepared.

 

Need to reduce contamination – a growing issue

 

This incident highlights the importance of proper waste sorting and disposal. Contamination in waste streams, such as non-wood materials mixed with wood waste, can create unexpected hazards.

A growing issue in the waste industry is lithium batteries (laptops and phones for example) being put in general rubbish, which has led to fires in rubbish trucks.

To support Auckland Council’s waste safety initiatives, Green Gorilla has donated a retired rubbish truck to assist with testing early warning and fire suppression systems for waste truck fires. This collaboration aims to improve safety for waste collection services and prevent dangerous incidents.

For information on safe hazardous waste disposal, visit Auckland Council’s guide.

 

Q&A

 

Q: Has the fire investigation been completed?
Yes, FENZ has determined the fire was accidental, caused by a foreign object in the chipping plant.

 

Q: What safety measures has Green Gorilla implemented?
We have installed fire suppression systems, thermal cameras, an automatic deluge system, improved stock management controls, and enhanced staff training.

 

Q: Will this fire impact Green Gorilla’s operations?
Our recycling and waste collection services remain unaffected. Our Construction and Demolition Sorting facility came back on line in stages and was fully operational mid-2024.

 

Q: How can the community help prevent waste-related fires?
We need to stress the importance of disposing of hazardous materials like lithium batteries properly – they simply should not be put in general waste bins. Please follow Auckland Council’s waste disposal guidelines; Auckland Council’s guide.

 

If you have any questions, please contact us marketing@greengorilla.co.nz.