A Tauranga man has been sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment for tax and Covid-related offending after obtaining more than $80,000 he wasn’t entitled to.

A huge blaze has broken out near a petrol station in central Auckland.

The fire was spotted at a mechanics’ business on Williamson Ave in Ponsonby near the Z Energy station at 1.50pm.

Photos from the scene show thick black smoke billowing across the inner city.

Williamson Ave is blocked between Pollen St and MacKelvie St, with police assisting with traffic management.

The fire was at a building behind a gas station on Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Photo / Anna Heath

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson told the Herald that crews arrived from Balmoral within six minutes to the “well-involved” fire in the 400sq m commercial building.

They said the blaze was contained as of 2.25pm after an “interior fire attack” was performed.

A specialist foam appliance was called because of concern about the petrol station nearby.

There were no reports of injuries or anyone trapped inside the building. Photo / Anna Heath

Firefighters spray water on to the site from an aerial truck. Photo/ Anna Heath

Fire and Emergency says one specialist foam truck, one specialist house layer, a specialist command unit and a fire investigator are on scene. Photo / Anna Heath

The spokesperson confirmed nearby buildings were evacuated.

Eight fire trucks, one heavy aerial truck and two standard aerial trucks are in attendance.

The spokesperson said one specialist foam truck, one specialist house layer, a specialist command unit, and a fire investigator are on scene.

There were no reports of injuries or anyone trapped inside the building.

Anytime Fitness Ponsonby manager Badel Makwana told the Herald big plumes of black smoke were making the view from the gym window hazy.

“I can’t really see much. The smoke looks pretty bad.”

Police are helping with traffic management. Photo / Anna Heath

Williamson Ave is blocked between Pollen and MacKelvie Sts because of the fire. Photo / Anna Heath

The gym is on Pollen St, right across from the scene of the blaze.

Makwana said there had been no official communication on whether people needed to stay indoors or not, but that everyone at the gym was safe.

A witness said animals had to be evacuated from the nearby Auckland Pet Hospital, with staff carrying them out to the street in their arms and in crates.

“The cats were crying … they had the crates covered with their jackets.”

More to come.