A Mount Maunganui chemical plant is on fire sending out plumes of potentially toxic smoke.
Police and fire fighters were called to Lawter NZ on Totara St about 5.40pm.
A police Northern Communications Centre spokesperson said huge amounts of smoke were coming from the fire at Lawter NZ.
The plant had been evacuated and surrounding businesses were being evacuated due to fears the fumes could be toxic.
At this stage it appears the smoke is being blown out to sea.