Whangateau house fire: Firefighters battle two-storey blaze north of Auckland

Crews arrived at 2.14pm to find the two-storey house “well involved” in flames.

Photographs show flames and thick black smoke rising above the tree-covered hillside, with the house’s roof appearing badly damaged.

The fire spread to nearby vegetation, prompting the use of a helicopter equipped with a monsoon bucket to support ground crews.

Twelve fire engines were sent to the scene.

Smoke rises from the badly damaged roof of a two-storey house on Rodney Rd in Whangateau, north of Auckland.

Fire and Emergency said the fire was now under control and the helicopter had since left.

Cunliffe described the community as “very tight knit”, and praised the swift actions of fire crews.

“All the neighbours are grateful to the fire service, volunteers, for their very fast response.”

Thick black smoke billows into the sky as a house fire rages in Whangateau, north of Auckland.

“The whole community is thinking of the family concerned and hoping no one is hurt.”

Police said their involvement appeared to be limited to traffic management.

Thick black smoke billows into the sky as a two-storey house burns in Whangateau.

Hato Hone St John said it had been placed on standby but had not sent any ambulances to the scene.