Fatal house fire in Whakatane

File photo / NZ Herald

Firefighters worked frantically but unsuccessfully to save a person caught in a house fire in the eastern Bay of Plenty town of Whakatane early this morning.

The house was burning fiercely when firefighters arrived shortly after 1am.

The person was pulled from the house and firefighters immediately began resuscitation efforts but the person died from smoke inhalation, said Megan Ruru from the Fire Service's northern communications centre.

The victim was believed to be the sole occupant of the house. No further details were available.

A fire safety inspector was at the scene.

- NZPA