A fire has destroyed at least half of a large single-storey Paengaroa home overnight.
Maketu chief fire officer Shane Beech said fire crews were called to the property on State Highway 33 about 9.15pm last night after a fire appears to have started behind the fireplace.
Mr Beech said the fire quickly spread up the walls and moved into the ceiling cavity, causing extensive damage as it spread the full length of the house.
"Fire fighters had to remove an extensive amount of roofing material to gain access to the fire, and the fire has caused severe amount of damage to the large single-storey house, he said.
"Pretty much the top part of house from the ceiling to the roof or 50 per cent of the house has been destroyed and there is also significant smoke and water damage."