A Titahi Bay house fire destroyed one home, damaged a neighbouring property and burnt out caravans after spreading quickly in strong winds on Saturday night.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said crews were called to the Spur Grove fire at about 5.50pm.
Eight fire trucks attended the blaze, which spread to the exterior of a neighbouring home and to caravans on nearby properties.
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters remained at the scene overnight to dampen down hotspots and monitor for flare-ups.
Fire investigators were at the property on Sunday working to determine the cause of the blaze. Police said they were also making enquiries.
Neighbour Paul Longworth told RNZ he and his partner fled their home after hearing popping noises and seeing the fire next door.
He said they alerted his son, grabbed essential documents, passports and pets, then left for safety.
Longworth said their caravan was destroyed and their home had been damaged after the fire got into the roof.
“We were lucky the wind changed and it blew the embers away from our house. Otherwise we could’ve lost it completely,” he told RNZ.
Another Spur Grove resident, Jamaine Tuhoe, said the fire appeared small at first before a loud explosion and rapid spread.
“It was a little fire first, just coming out the kitchen window, and then I came outside and it just blew up,” he told RNZ.
Resident Kate Collins said flames were leaping above the house and across towards other homes, while Juanita Leynes said firefighters warned nearby residents to be ready to evacuate if the fire spread further.
Fire and Emergency said the cause of the fire was not yet known.
