A blaze has broken out near a petrol station in central Auckland. Photos from the scene show thick black smoke billowing across the inner city. The fire was spotted before 2pm on Williamson Ave in Ponsonby near the Z Energy station. Fire and Emergency New Zealand have been contacted for comment. A fire has broken out in Ponsonby A fire has broken out from a building behind a gas station on Williamson Street, Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo / Anna Heath. Anytime Fitness Ponsonby manager Badel told the Herald big plumes of black smoke are making the view from the gym window hazy. “I can’t really see much the smoke looks pretty bad.” The gym is on Pollen St right across from the scene of the blaze. He said there have been no official communication on whether people need to stay indoors or not, but that everyone at the gym is safe. Sirens continue to sound in the background. More to come.