Properties on Fenton St in Kawerau are being evacuated after a gas leak in the area.
A digger has gone through a gas line on the street causing the leak, Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman Carren Larking said.
"We have to fire appliances in attendance and we are justwaiting for gas authorities to isolate the gas which is currently venting into the atmosphere."
She said the road was closed with assistance from police and emergency services had started evacuating nearby properties until the gas could be turned off.
Emergency services were called to the leak at 2.04pm.
