Update: Man dies in house fire in Poroporo (+map)

One person died in the house fire in Poroporo. Photo / File

Police say it's too early to tell how a man died in a house fire near Whakatane overnight.

Senior Sergeant Greg Standen of the Whakatane police said police were now working with the Fire Service to examine the scene of a house fire in Te Rahu Rd.

A forensic examination will be completed today to determine the circumstances of the fire.

"It is too early to tell what has occurred at this scene with any accuracy so until fire safety has completed their examination we are unable to draw any conclusions as to how the fire started.

"We are however focusing on the recovery of the deceased person and the forensic evidence this will bring to our reconstruction".

He said it was expected to have the examination and the body removed today.
Earlier, fire service shift manager Megan Ruru said two fire crews were called to the Te Rahu Rd house at Poroporo shortly after midnight.

A house was "well ablaze"when they arrived.

Ms Ruru said they were told there was a possibility someone was still inside the burning house.

"Shortly after they found one occupant, thought to be a male, in the lounge," she said.

The owner of the farm where the fire took place said he was "too upset"at the moment to talk about it.

"The family [of the man] hasn't actually been contacted," he said.