Blaze razes Northland home

It took only an hour for a house at Oakleigh to be razed to the ground today.
A man, woman and two children escaped unhurt from the blaze that started in a bed room at the property on Totara Rd, south of Whangarei.

Fanned by a strong north westerly wind, the flames quickly spread through the house, Whangarei fire safety officer Craig Bain said.
The alarm was raised just before 2pm and fire crews from Portland, Ruakaka and Whangarei responded.
Police blocked off the road and an ambulance arrived about 2.25pm.
The fire could be seen from State Highway 1. Fire Communications confirmed the blaze was well involved when the crews arrived and they had just called for a water tanker.
See tomorrow's Advocate for more.