The Pukenui appliance was first on the scene and Kaitaia Station Officer Ross Beddows said by then smoke was pouring from the gables and flashings. The crew set up a water supply from the owner's tank and climbed on to the roof, the steep pitch making that risky.
Most of the Dars' belongings were outside when the Kaitaia brigade arrived. Deputy Chief Fire Officer John Whitlow said the fire had begun taking hold in the insulation and beams, leaving no option but to remove the roofing iron to get to it.
"There was no ceiling cavity, the home having exposed wood beams and ceiling and firefighters had to break through the roof as best they could using axes and crowbars," Mr Beddows said. "Two hoses were jammed under the iron to extinguish the fire, which had spread across one whole side of the roof."
The plumbers helped remove sheets of iron and the fire was extinguished soon after, but not before serious damage was done to the framework of the roof. The entire home had extensive water damage, but Mr Beddows said the crews deserved credit for an excellent save.
"The fire was on the verge of getting out of control when the Pukenui crew arrived."
Fire safety investigators believed it began as the result of an electrical fault in the ceiling above the lounge, although the cause had not been conclusively identified.
The house was damaged by what began as a chimney fire in August last year.
