Hillside house fire in Hawke’s Bay: Rescue helicopter flying one person with critical injuries to Wellington Hospital

A fire burns through a building on a hillside between Eskdale and Bay View. Photo / Taylor Jonas

One person is being flown to hospital in a critical condition after a house fire on a hillside between Eskdale and Bay View in Hawke’s Bay.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said firefighters were called to Seafield Rd at 1.21pm on Tuesday.

He said the building was on fire upon arrival, and five trucks and two water tankers were at the scene.

Hato Hone St John said it responded to the scene with one helicopter, two ambulances and two rapid response vehicles.

One patient was assessed at the scene and was being transported to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition by helicopter.

Smoke and flames from the house fire could be seen from much of the Bay View township, but had largely dissipated by 3pm.

A worker in the Bay View township, who did not want to be named, said he heard five or six fire engines screaming past.

He went outside and saw the building completely covered in flames.

“It was terrible,” he said. “It was completely gone ... I don’t think there will be anything left.”