Several firearms have been uncovered at the scene of a fatal house fire in Northland.

Police were also continuing with a scene examination and were being helped by the Defence Force bomb disposal unit.

Detective Kevin Burke said care was required due to the heat generated by the fire.

Several firearms had been located and the bomb disposal unit was working to make the scene safe by dealing with ammunition in the house.

The body of a man had been removed from the scene and the identified.

A post-mortem examination would be carried out this afternoon.

Next of kin were being notified of the man's death, police said.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire at the Mangamuka property south of Kaitaia about 12.30am on Monday.

Armed Offenders Squad members attempted to get inside the house to rescue the occupant but had to pull back due to a number of explosions, and a explosive device, believed to be a grenade, was later found by police when they entered the house.

- APNZ