Fire breaks out in Ponsonby mechanic’s workshop
• March 19, 2026
Fire and Emergency services arrived at the fire just before 2pm Photo: Erica O'Neill
A large fire broke out at a Ponsonby mechanics early this afternoon.
Acting Assistant Commander Kenton Rusbridge told TWN the fire was spotted at around 1.50pm.
Emergency services arrived within six minutes, just before 2pm.
Rusbridge says the blaze was contained by 2.25pm.
Acting Assistant Commander Kenton Rusbridge spoke to the media after the blaze was contained Photo: Eva Perese-Wood
Staff at both the mechanics workshop and neighbouring Z station were evacuated shortly after the fire started.
There have been no reports of casualties or injury.
Onlooker Steve saw the fire after leaving Williamson Avenue Woolworths.
“I saw flames reaching the top of the building behind the mechanics . . . it was a huge black cloud.
“It wasn’t long after I came out of Woolworths the fire trucks came up,” he said.
The tall blaze could be seen from neighbouring streets Photo: Zach Shanahan-Trainer
Witness Sue Wilkinson was walking up Williamson Avenue when she saw the smoke.
“When I came around the corner here, I saw the smoke billowing out . . . it was quite shocking.”
The fire caused concern for many local residents and business owners due to its proximity to the neighbouring Z Petrol station.
Williamson Avenue has been closed to traffic between Ponsonby Rd and MacKelvie St from around 2.30pm.
Police are assisting with traffic management on Williamson Avenue Photo: Eva Perese-Wood
*AI was not used in the creation of this story
