A fire which broke out in an industrial area in the South Auckland suburb of Takanini is now under control.

Twenty-two fire trucks responded to the blaze at a warehouse on Inlet Road in Takanini, which began at about 4.30pm.

Fie and Emergency said the fire was now contained and under control.

The fire broke out at a furniture removers and all people were safely evacuated.

Crews will remain on site over the next few hours to check for hot spots.

Local resident Ben Ross said his wife was cleaning the car outside when she noticed the smoke.

"We can see thick billowing black smoke which is currently over my house, we're downwind. If we go to the top of the road we can see bright yellow flames coming from what was left of the building," he said.

"It was smelly, you could taste the acrylic metal smell."

Mr Ross said he gathered his family inside and shut the doors and windows, and emergency services sirens had been going for a steady 20 minutes.

Auckland Transport has warned of heavy traffic congestion in the area.

Inlet Road and Waka Street in Takanini are closed.

ROADS CLOSED - INLET RD, TAKANINI - 4:55PM

Due to a large building fire, road closures are in place on Inlet Road and Waka Street in Takanini. Please follow directions of emergency services on-site and AVOID the area if possible, as congestion is heavy in the area. ^MF pic.twitter.com/8ZUNL8YCQ9 — Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) December 4, 2019

Photo: Supplied

- more to come