Hampton Downs landfill fire: Warnings to close doors, windows

A fire in a landfill near Hampton Downs has prompted a warning to locals to keep windows and doors closed.

Emergency services were notified about the fire, located between Meremere and Te Kauwhata, around 10am on Sunday. 

Three helicopters were used to fight the blaze, along with four pumping appliances and six tankers. It is not yet known what caused the fire to begin.

A spokesperson from Fire and Emergency New Zealand says the fire is now contained but may take several days to extinguish completely.

They have also warned that smoke from the fire might be toxic, due to the number of household waste products burning.

Waikato Regional Council says there is no runoff into waterways. But anyone living within 10 kilometres downwind of the fire is being told to stop collecting water from their roofs and clean them before doing so again.

Newshub.