Thick black smoke can be seen billowing from a building on Inlet Road, Takanini.
Video / Supplied
Firefighters battling a giant blaze at an industrial site in Takanini say they now have the fire "under control" but are warning nearby residents to stay indoors.
The fire had earlier forced road closures, delaying rush-hour traffic.
Thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the industrial building in InletRd.
Witnesses have also reported hearing several explosions.
"Fire and Emergency currently attending major fire in Inlet Rd Takanini," the alert said.
"Residents downwind are advised to close windows and turn off air conditioning units."
Locals received an alert about the blaze shortly before 7pm on Wednesday evening. Photo / Supplied
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) shift manager Peter Stevenson confirmed the United Movers building was ablaze.
He said earlier the 80m by 60m structure was fully involved and the blaze was [then] not yet under control.
"We've gone to a fifth alarm level, so that means nearly 30 appliances will be responding," he said.
Fenz received reports of the blaze at 4.26pm on Wednesday.
There were no reports of injuries and no plans to evacuate nearby buildings, he said.
The blaze was causing significant delays for rush-hour traffic in the area.
ROADS CLOSED - INLET RD, TAKANINI - 4:55PM Due to a large building fire, road closures are in place on Inlet Road and Waka Street in Takanini. Please follow directions of emergency services on-site and AVOID the area if possible, as congestion is heavy in the area. ^MF pic.twitter.com/8ZUNL8YCQ9
The fire is at United Movers. The business is a freight transport company with one of the largest specialised furniture body fleets in the country, its website says.
Half of the large building was in flames and the fire was spreading, a witness said.
