He said five crews were still at the scene and were carrying out "salvage" work to minimise the damage to the property.
There were no reports of injuries, he said.
"Lots of people said that people were seen running, getting out of the house. Everyone was out by the time we arrived."
It was too soon to say whether the fire was suspicious, and a fire investigator had arrived at the scene, he said.
He said there was no indication as to how the fire started, and the fire had been brought under control within half an hour.
Fire services were also attending second a smaller fire in Mangere this afternoon on Wedgewood Avenue.
"This is just small, we believe. The house is smoke-logged but the fire is presumed out."
