Paengaroa house fire spreads to shelterbelt

A house fire opposite Paengaroa School has ignited a nearby 200m shelterbelt.

Fire crews are at a house fire in Bay of Plenty.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said the fire in Paengaroa had also ignited a 200m shelterbelt.

“Five fire crews are working to ensure it does not spread further.”

Two water tanks and an additional crew had been dispatched, the spokesperson said.

A Paengaroa School Facebook post said the fire was opposite the school and students were safe. School would finish at the regular time.

Paengaroa School principal Bruce Lendrem said a neighbour noticed smoke coming out of the roof and called the brigade.

He said pupils were evacuated to the hall and a classroom at the back of the school as a precaution.

“It was just in case the wind changed and the smoke affected the school but it didn’t.”

Lendrem said part of the shelter belt [next to the burning house] caught fire but was extinguished quickly.

“The fire crews did a fabulous job to stop any more damage. They moved quickly.

“The sad part is the house is gone.

“The owners have lived there for 35 years. Lots of memories gone but thankfully no loss of life.”

More to come.