UPDATED: People living near Jean Batten Drive have been evacuated from their homes following a chemical fire in the area.

Firefighters were called to the fire on Jean Batten Drive just after 8pm following reports of an explosion and subsequent fire in a property behind Bunnings.

Emergency services are dealing with a chemical fire near the airport. Cordons are in place on Hewletts Road, near Totara Street and Maunganui Road.

Kitty Hawke Way resident Colin Alexander says police came around and asked them to evacuate because of what he was told was gas leak.

"We heard an explosion earlier on, something made a funny noise. We looked outside and thought we saw something, but disregarded it.

"We carried on at home and then the next thing the police were knocking on the door and tell us to leave."

Colin says the police told him the wind was blowing the gas in their direction and said it was best for them to leave.

"We were told to report to Totara Street and the police would tell us what to do from here."

Colin hopes they are not out of their house all night.

Northern Fire Communications shift manager Paul Radden says the chemical fire that broke out at 8pm is reported to be burning outside of a building near the intersection of Hewletts Road and Jean Batten Drive.

It is unknown exactly where the chemicals were situated if they were stored partly in the building or outside.

Paul says firefighters know the family the chemical is part of but not the specific chemical burning. He could not say what the chemical is used for.

The chemical is reported to be aluminium phosphate.

Due to the fumes emanating from the fire, properties and businesses in a 1km radius are being evacuated, says Paul.

At this stage Paul believes the fire is still burning and crews from Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, and Greerton are being kept busy.

A special Hazmat unit from Greerton is also at the scene equipped with specialised gas suits to protect firefighters, and specific chemical equipment.

Paul believes the wind is blowing in a northerly direction and people are asked to avoid the area.

A reporter at the scene says police have blocked the Hewletts Road entrance at Totara Street.

Tauranga Airport is in lockdown and a number of nearby businesses are closed.