About 40 people were evacuated from hotels near Auckland Airport last night after fumes from a pesticide, which has historically been used in chemical warfare, wafted through their windows from a neighbouring farm.
International guests at Kiwi International Hotel and the Airport Skyway Lodge on Kirkbride Rd, Mangere, started getting itchy eyes due to strong fumes in the air, Fire Service incident controller Grant Thompson said.
One neighbour told NZPA the sensation was similar to when you cut onions.
The Fire Service was called around 10pm and it was established the fumes were caused by a neighbouring strawberry farmer who had poured the soil fumigant chloropicrin on his paddock.
Mr Thompson said the chemical was treated with respect because it has been used in chemical warfare.
The farmer turned on his irrigation system to put water on the chemicals and the fumes soon dissipated, Mr Thompson said.
Some guest were evacuated to nearby Silver Oaks Inn while others were taken straight to the airport because they had early flights.
Some residents from nearby houses were also evacuated.
Chloropicrin was used in large quantities during World War One and as a riot control agent. It has similar characteristics to tear gas.
