Eltham fatal house fire: Victim from well-known family, community offering support, mayor says

The South Taranaki mayor says the victim of a “devastating” fatal house fire is from a family well-known in the district.

South Taranaki Mayor Phil Nixon said the small, tight-knit community of Eltham was rallying around the family who died in this morning’s blaze.

A police spokesperson said the house was already “fully ablaze” when emergency services were called to Derby St, Eltham, just before 5am.

Nixon called the loss of life “devastating”.

Although the community was reeling, Nixon said they were “fairly resilient” and already rallying around the family, who were well-known in the area.

“They are a big family... they have extended family supporting closer family members.”

When the Herald tried to speak to a neighbour of the victim, she said she was “too upset to speak”.

Earlier, a police spokesperson said one person was found dead at the property.

“A scene guard is in place and inquiries to determine the cause of the fire are under way.”