Sulphuric Acid Leak Contained in Hamilton

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) responded to a hazardous substances leak on April 7, 2026, involving approximately 400 litres of sulphuric acid at a commercial premises in Melville, Hamilton.

Paul Radden, the Hamilton shift manager for FENZ, stated that crews received the call out shortly after 5:00 a.m. The emergency response included at least 20 firefighters from four fire trucks and the Hamilton HAZMAT unit.

To manage the spill, FENZ sought technical and operational guidance from the Queensland Fire Department Scientific Branch. This branch specializes in providing expertise to emergency responders to help them effectively manage unidentified hazardous materials.

Reporting from the Indian Weekender indicates that the 400-litre sulphuric acid spill was contained safely at Clow.

Both Police and St John confirmed they were notified of the incident, though their services were not required. All further inquiries regarding the event were referred to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

FENZ officials did not comment on whether there were people on the premises at the time of the leak, or if the spill posed a threat to nearby people or properties.