Major Fire at Ponsonby Automotive Shop Extinguished

A major fire at an automotive shop in the Auckland suburb of Ponsonby was extinguished on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Fire crews are currently dampening down hotspots to prevent reignition.

Fire Details

The fire occurred at Ponsonby Automotive on Williamson Avenue. Initial concerns arose due to the shop’s proximity to a Z petrol station RNZ News, NZ Herald, and 1News.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) crews responded to the scene at approximately 1:50 PM. Crews arrived from Balmoral within six minutes to a “well-involved” fire in the 20x20m commercial building NZ Herald. A specialist foam appliance was deployed as a precaution due to the nearby petrol station NZ Herald.

Eight fire trucks, including one heavy aerial truck and two standard aerial trucks, were in attendance NZ Herald.

Evacuations and Impact

The Domus apartment complex and several nearby businesses were evacuated as a safety measure RNZ News. Residents reported hearing explosions and described the air as smelling acidic and metallic RNZ News.

Auckland Pet Hospital on Pollen Street was too evacuated, with staff confirming all animals were safely evacuated RNZ News.

Williamson Avenue was blocked between Pollen and MacKelvie streets to facilitate firefighting efforts and manage traffic NZ Herald.

Witness Accounts

One witness reported seeing a “spectacular” tower of black smoke from Ponsonby Road 1News. Another Anytime Fitness Ponsonby manager noted hazy conditions due to the smoke NZ Herald.

No Injuries Reported

As of the latest reports, there were no reports of injuries or anyone trapped inside the building NZ Herald, 1News.