Fire destroys Wellington home

A suburban Wellington house has been severely damaged by fire early this morning.

About 10 fire appliances battled the blaze at the Helston Road property in the northern suburb of Paparangi.

Central Fire Communications shift manager Murray Dunbar told NZPA the fire service was called to the two-storey property just before 5am, but the fire was already "well involved" by the time they arrived.

It was not known if there were any occupants in the house when it caught light.

Mr Dunbar said at one stage neighbouring properties were in danger, but fire fighters protected the homes from damage.

The blaze has now been extinguished, but fire officers were still at the scene dampening down hotspots.

It was not yet known what caused the blaze.

- NZPA