Onerahi house fire: Pregnant neighbour feared for her home

Four fire fighting crews were called to a house fire in Onerahi today at 11.20. Photo / Tania Whyte

Watching the house next door turn into flames is one of the scariest scenes a soon-to-be mum has ever witnessed.

Luckily for the family, good samaritans came out to help Lisa, whose house was minutes away from catching the fire.

Four crews of firefighters responded to the house fire in Onerahi around 11.20am today.

A Northland Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the fire was well-involved when they arrived.

A shop worker nearby said she saw "enormous" flames coming out of the house.

Lisa was out in the garden when she smelled something burning. She soon realised it was their neighbour's house.

"When I first smelled it, I thought it was a controlled burn and obviously it got out of hand.

"The firefighters came over, helped us, and watered our fence. A few bystanders came and helped out too," she said.

"We are very lucky as the fire was quite close."

Fire fighters outside the house fire in Onerahi. Photo / Tania Whyte

The family's home managed to avoid catching alight but suffered smoke damage on the upper floor where the bedrooms are.

"I was able to close the windows and doors, but it is very smokey. My son's room got the most of the damage and we might need to get a new bassinet," she said.

"We were just minutes away from catching fire as the wind was blowing in our direction.

"It is really scary to see the house next door burning in flames."

Lisa said she could hear the "cracking, popping, and banging" of the glass burning from her place.

The Onerahi resident is expecting a baby in a couple of days so hopes the smoke clears up soon.