Fire threatened gang headquarters

Firefighters are at the scene of a major Tauranga blaze. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A panelbeaters' workshop in Tauranga has been damaged by a fire this afternoon.

The blaze began just after 2pm today at Colin Davis Panel Beaters, next door to the Filthy Few headquarters in the Judea industrial area.

It was believed to have started in the spray booth at the business.

Staff and members of neighbouring businesses prevented the fire from causing even greater damage by moving equipment away from the burning building.

Fire crews from Greerton, Tauranga and Mount Maunganui battled the blaze.