Waihī house fire: Elderly occupant dies, cause of death under investigation

The sole occupant, a 71-year-old man, was found inside the single-storey residential dwelling, the spokesman said.

“The cause of the man’s death will be confirmed by the coroner.

“After the coroner has determined the cause of death, the name of the deceased may be released publicly. Given the circumstances, this may take some time.”

Meanwhile, a Fire and Emergency spokeswoman said the service was alerted to two house fires in Tauranga on Saturday night.

The first fire was in Matua Rd, Matua. Fire and Emergency was alerted at 7pm.

Four fire crews attended from Tauranga and Mount Maunganui stations and found a “well-involved” house on the front of the property.

“The fire was contained by 7.30pm, and all crews left by 10.20pm.”

Everyone was out of the house at the time, a spokeswoman said.

A nearby resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told SunLive they were impressed with how quickly the fire engines arrived at the scene.

“I heard a loud bang and then sirens came very quickly after that. We could see flames licking out the windows.”

Two fire investigators returned to the property on Sunday to determine the cause.

The Fire and Emergency spokeswoman told the Bay of Plenty Times there was “significant damage” to the house resulting from the fire.

“The cause of the fire was found to be accidental and the house did have working smoke alarms,” she said.

Fire crews were also alerted at 7.25pm on Saturday to a house fire in Farm St, Mount Maunganui.

The spokeswoman said three fire crews from Greerton, Papamoa and Mount Maunganui stations attended and found a house filled with smoke.

The fire was extinguished by 7.55pm and all crews left by 9.30pm. The fire was not being investigated.

No injuries were reported.

Fire and Emergency northern shift manager Josh Pennefather earlier said the Farm St fire appeared to have started in the ceiling because of an electrical issue with a blown light bulb.

Pennefather earlier said two fires within 30 minutes was a reminder to remain vigilant to risks during the winter months.

He said fire travelled fast and he urged people to regularly check their smoke alarms were working and to have a clear escape plan.

Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post who has been a journalist for 24 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.