Senior station officer Tim Lister told the Gisborne Herald the interior of the house was “significantly damaged”.
“The elderly man who lived there was taken to hospital by ambulance, suffering from moderate smoke inhalation,” he said.
“A passerby saw the fire, broke a window and hauled the man out to safety.
“He probably saved his life.”
Police issued a public appeal yesterday in the hope of tracking down the mystery rescuer.
Morris’ friend showed him the appeal, and this morning, much to the delight of officers, he walked into the police station.
“I just wanted to get him out,” Morris said.
“It’s been a bit emotional. At the end of the day, helping people makes me feel good.”
Tim Morris broke the window in this picture to get to an elderly man inside the burning house. Photo / Murray Robertson
In their statement tonight, police announced that the “mystery hero” had answered their call out.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Love said Morris had not wanted to make a fuss when he arrived.
“I think that tells you quite a lot about the person who walked through our doors today,” Love said.
“We put out an appeal because we wanted to find him, not because he was in any trouble. We wanted the opportunity to shake his hand and say ‘thank you’. We got that opportunity today.”
Love said Morris might not consider himself a hero, but his quick actions had helped the elderly resident escape a life-threatening situation.
Police confirmed the 89-year-old was recuperating well in hospital.