Emergency services are responding after a fire alarm was set off at the University of Auckland this afternoon.

An image shows multiple fire trucks on Symonds St outside the university as crowds of students stand on the footpath.

Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) said that at 12.56pm, an automatic fire alarm was activated by the University of Auckland.

A Fenz spokesperson said crews smelt burning when they walked into the block and are still investigating.

The spokesperson said the origin of the fire appears to be electrical.

Six fire trucks and three ladder trucks had been sent to the university.

More to come.