Warning after major chemical spill at Mount Maunganui

Multiple firefighters and police spent several hours on the scene of a major flammable liquid spill inside a Mount Maunganui industrial premises.

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A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman said a report about the spill at the Lawter (NZ) Ltd premises in Totara St was received about 4.05 pm.

Seven fire appliances from Rotorua, Tauranga, Greerton and Mount Maunganui responded and Te Puke brigade was put on standby, the spokeswoman said.

The leak was coming from inside the building and as well as staff, locals living and working area were evacuated, she said.

Most of Totara St near the spillage was cordoned off including access to Whareroa Marae.

There were no reports of injuries, the Fire and Emergency NZ spokeswoman said.

However, Bay of Plenty Regional Council has taken to Facebook to warn residents to avoid the area and close their doors and windows if they notice a strong odour.

Fire crews left the scene about 12.15am after everything was cleaned up, a fire spokeswoman said.

There were no plans to go back today, she said.

"It has been left in the hands of the occupiers."