She looked out her window to see the home “fully engulfed in flames”.
As she went to call for help, she saw emergency services already pulling into the drive.
She said a man had lived there for close to 20 years, along with a primary school-aged child.
Beets said crews were called to Oranga St, Westown, just before 11 last night.
The home was well alight when crews arrived,and three fire engines were called to the scene. Two support vehicles were also sent.
Beets said a police scene guard is in place while they await fire and police investigators.
She said everyone has now been accounted for, but it had been difficult to assess as people kept running back inside the home.
She said the age of the child is unknown.
A police spokesperson said they would examine the scene this morning alongside Fire and Emergency.
A spokesperson from Hato Hone St John said one person was taken to Taranaki Base Hospital in serious condition.
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