Waitara house fire claims life, investigation under way

A person has died in a house fire in Taranaki.

Fire and Emergency NZ was called to the fire on Browne St in Waitara about 7.30am.

Police said they believed the person was the only occupant of the house at the time of the fire.

“Inquiries are under way to determine the cause of the fire and at this stage there is no further information available,” Detective Senior Sergeant Debra Gower said.

A Fire and Emergency spokeswoman said the house was “well involved” when crews arrived.

Four fire appliances and two support crews were initially called to the scene.

The fire was contained and the remaining crews were working on hotspots, the spokeswoman said.

Specialised fire investigators and police are on scene.