"Well Ablaze": House Fire on Bridge Street, Whakatāne

Fire and Emergency New Zealand were called to a "well ablaze" house fire just after 6.30am.

Shift manager Blair Walklin says five fire appliances were in attendance from Whakatāne, Taneatua, Edgecumbe, Ōhope, Kawerau.

He said two crews remain on the scene dampening hot spots, and a fire investigator has arrived.

Police said crews are on the scene supporting with traffic control. 

Hato Hone St John said one ambulance and one operations manager responded to the scene.

It said their ambulance crew has treated and transported one patient in a moderate condition to Whakatāne Hospital.

FENZ crews outside the scene.

A 1xx reporter at the scene said Bridge Street was cordened off by police traffic management. 

Students passed on the footpath heading towards their respective kura. 

Two fire engines remained at the scene around 8:30am where the house was still smoking. 

A Cusack Partners Property Management spokesperson confirmed the house was occupied by one of their tenants. 

The company said the whānau have lost a large portion of their personal items and are asking for donations. 

The public are being asked to donated any men’s 2xl to 3xl, woman’s 10-12 and boys 10 and girls size 4 clothing. 

The spokesperson said any items can be dropped into the Cusack Partners building on the Strand and will be passed on to the family.