Fire investigator to seek cause of blaze that destroyed Te Puke house

A fire investigator will look into what started a blaze that destroyed a home in Te Puke today.

Most of the house in kiwifruit orchard country on No 4 Rd collapsed as it burned, with just the shell of some bedrooms and a lone chimney remaining.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said the single-story dwelling was well involved when crews arrived at 6.55am.

Fire crews from Te Puke and Maketu were called to the scene.

There were no people reported to be inside the house and the fire was under control, he said.

Firefighters in Te Puke have a house fire under control. Photo / Leah Tebbutt

A reporter on the scene about 8am said the kitchen area of the house, in particular, was "absolutely destroyed".

"Smoke can be seen throughout Te Puke."

The house was opposite packing houses and kiwifruit orchards.

Firefighters were at the house for more than three hours, working to put out the flames, control the embers and remove parts of the roof on to the lawn to better access where the kitchen once stood.

A neighbour said fire crews had to leave to get more water at one point.

"It's just heartbreaking."

Fire crews are at a house fire in Te Puke. Photo / Leah Tebbutt