Napier couple lose most of their belongings to fire in house they’ve lived in for more than a decade

The Taradale home was completely destroyed in the fire. Photo / NZME

A Napier couple have lost most of their belongings in a fire that gutted their home of more than a decade.

The couple, who did not want to be named, were driving home from Taradale town centre on Sunday evening when they realised there was a fire close by.

“We were on our way home, and we saw the smoke from the road and thought that is pretty close.”

It was not until they got closer to their Anderson Rd home in Taradale that they learned it was their home.

“It was pretty shocking.”

Firefighters were already on the scene battling the large fire which completely destroyed their home, adjoining garage and two vehicles.

The owner said firefighters believed the blaze started in the garage, but he was unsure exactly what caused it.

The owner said while he was grateful no one was inside during the fire, they had lost most of their belongings.

Only a shed at the rear of the property survived.

“There were a lot of memories - a lot of photos, but they are all gone.”

Firefighters did manage to salvage one waterlogged packet of family photographs, which the couple was thankful for.

The owners said they had been blown away by the support of the community, who had been quick to offer places to stay.

They said the firefighters had also been amazing and supportive.

The couple, who have insurance, were back at their home of 13 years on Monday morning, cleaning up and looking through the property.

Fortunately, the fire did not spread to any neighbouring homes.

Firefighters were alerted to the Taradale house fire at 5.51pm, and six fire trucks responded from Taradale, Napier and Hastings.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said the fire was “well alight on arrival” and was suppressed by 6.30pm.