Update: Main South Rd re-opens after fire

Main South Road has re-opened after being closed earlier today because of a fire at the Ravensdown plant in Hornby.

A section of Main South Road has been closed due to a fire.

11am update:

Motorists are being urged to avoid the Hornby area and to expect severe delays because of a fire at the Ravensdown plant.

Main South Road is closed between Carmen Road and Springs Road.

The Christchurch Transport Operations Centre says motorists travelling east or west to, or from, State Highway 1 should use the Christchurch Southern Motorway as an alternative route.

Motorists travelling from the Sockburn roundabout should use Racecourse Road and Buchanans Road.

Motorists travelling in the wider areas can also expect delays with traffic being detoured. 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) crews are working to put the fire out.

Ravensdown says everyone at the plant is accounted for and there are no reported injuries.

11.40am update:

FENZ is advising people who live or work near the Ravensdown building to keep  their windows shut and avoid the smoke as best as possible.

"We don't have any information currently regarding what is burning but any kind of smoke can exacerbate any respiratory issues. If you are feeling ill because of the smoke then please seek medical attention immediately,'' FENZ says in a Facebook post.

1pm update:

FENZ says the fire has been contained but ampening down of hotspots will continue for some time. An investigation into the cause will be carried out once the fire has been completely extinguished. FENZ is asking people to stay away from the area until its crews have departed.

1.10pm update:

Dr Cheryl Brunton, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says that in the immediate vicinity of the fire and downwind there is a lot of smoke in the air and that people should avoid it if they can.

“Avoiding exposure to the smoke is the best advice right now. If you live nearby or downwind of the smoke plume, stay indoors and close windows. Don’t use air conditioning or ventilation that will draw smoke into your home or car.

“Smoke may irritate the eyes, nose, throat and airways. More serious symptoms include runny or sore eyes, a dry or sore throat or a sore nose,  a cough, tightness of the chest or difficulty breathing. Canterbury District Health Board is reminding people who experience these symptoms or other respiratory issues to contact their own GP team first for advice 24/7 – even after hours a nurse is ready to take your call. They can tell you what to do and where to go if you need to be seen urgently.”

Dr Brunton says most people are very unlikely to have any long-term health effects from smoke. However, people with pre-existing respiratory illness or heart disease may experience a worsening or recurrence of their condition. Cigarette smokers, the elderly, children and those with heart disease, asthma or other lung disease are at greatest risk of harm from smoke inhalation. 

 “Seek medical help if your symptoms worsen, especially if you have asthma, lung or heart disease, or if you start to experience breathlessness or chest pain.”

 Dr Brunton is also encouraging people to remember to look out for their neighbours, especially the elderly or those with disabilities and make sure they’re okay.

3.10pm update:

Main South Road has now re-opened.