A small fire in a steel drum on a visiting grain vessel broke out at Port Taranaki, New Zealand, last week, prompting emergency procedures.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand was called to Port Taranaki, with the fire quickly extinguished.

In a media release on Oct. 23, Port Taranaki chief operating officer Alex Park said as was regular procedure for unloading of grain vessels, fumigant sleeves to control pests in the vessel’s hold were placed in a steel drum for removal.

“Although investigations are ongoing, it is believed the drum may have been damp, which can cause the sleeves to warm and combust,” he said.

“All port emergency procedures were followed, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand [FENZ] was called to attend, with the fire quickly extinguished.

“As the sleeves contain caustic ingredients, which let off fumes when on fire, FENZ carried out decontamination of the drum,” Park added.

The fire was extinguished, and full port operations were resumed. No injuries or damage to port or vessel equipment were reported.

During the incident, operations on Moturoa Wharf were halted, with full port operations resuming at 9am.

Port Taranaki located in New Plymouth, New Zealand is 100% owned by the Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) and is governed by an independent board of directors.