Fire in Tauranga industrial area

Drugs were allegedly found in the vicinity of a fire in an industrial unit on Burrows St today.

A police spokeswoman told the Bay of Plenty Times drugs were allegedly found in the vicinity of the fire on Burrows St, an industrial area with multiple businesses operating in close proximity.

The spokeswoman would not confirm what kind of drugs were discovered.

It is unclear exactly where in the industrial area the drugs were allegedly found.

The section of Burrows St between 14th Ave and 15th Ave had been closed off to traffic this afternoon as emergency services responded to the fire which broke out in an industrial unit.

Reports were coming in of traffic already backed up on 15th Ave.

Northern fire communications acting shift manager Carren Larking said the service received multiple calls about the fire at 1.34pm.

''On arrival we found a well involved building fire and a second alarm for back up was made,'' she said.

Ms Larking said four fire trucks were called to the scene.

The fire is understood to have started in a ventilation system.

St Marys Catholic School, which is located nearby on 13th Ave, contacted parents to warn them on the fire. In a message, the school asked parents to avoid the area if possible when collecting their children.

A parent outside the school said there had been a "massive" amount of smoke due to the fire.

A student said they had been sent inside because smoke was coming over the school.

A police spokesperson said a person was now with police helping them with inquiries.

*Please note this fire was not at High Impact Auto Painters as first reported.