Whangārei fire destroys home but ‘very lucky’ occupants escape unharmed

The people living in a Northland house destroyed by fire overnight were very lucky to escape unharmed, according to a fire investigator.

The house on State Highway 1 at Oakleigh, just south of Whangārei, went up in flames just after 8pm on Sunday.

Fire investigator Greg Hartwell said the building was destroyed but the home’s occupants – who were renting the property – escaped unharmed.

The home on the corner of State Highway 1 and Springfield Rd was completely gutted in the fire on Sunday night. Photo / Denise Piper

“The house is a total loss ... They were very lucky.”

According to a Givealittle page set up by a relative, the whānau living in the property were a family of eight, who lost everything – including their two cars.

More than $2000 has been donated so far.

At the height of the blaze, firefighters from seven brigades worked to extinguish the flames.

New Zealand Transport Agency had to advise drivers on State Highway 1 at Oakleigh to expect delays and take extra care.

Fire and Emergency said the house fire was challenging to contain due to a steep driveway, bush and a nearby petrol station. Photo / Denise Piper

Fire and Emergency NZ’s Northland district manager Wipari Henwood said the fire was “challenging” for crews due to a steep driveway and bush near the rear of the property as well as a petrol station nearby.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said crews arrived just after 8pm and had the fire out by about 1am early Monday morning.

Hartwell was on the scene on Monday morning to investigate what started the fire.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.