Firefighters from Tauranga and the surrounding area are responding to a large garage fire on a Minden property in western Bay of Plenty.

A nearby resident who contacted SunLive said there is a large fire in the  Ainsworth Rd/Loop Rd area with clouds of billowing smoke and the sound of "a couple of explosions".

A motorist who phoned 0800SUNLIVE said they'd just driven past Loop Rd and saw the fire.

"There are four or five fire trucks heading towards it in Loop Rd, and also an ambulance. It looks like a building fully involved.

Fire services are at the scene of a large fire in the Minden area of Western Bay of Plenty.Photo/ Antonia Baker

Fire and Emergency NZ received a report of the fire at 7.03pm. 

"There are more than 10 crews and fire trucks working to bring the fire under control," a Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said.

"There are vehicles in the garage and several gas cylinders.The fire is currently at third alarm level."

Fire brigades from Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Ōmokoroa and Greerton fire stations are attending the scene.

A garage is on fire in the Minden area of Western Bay of Plenty.  Photo/Mike Oliver

SunLive will update this once more information is available.

At the scene?

Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz