A fire service spokesman said there was an issue with the asbestos lining in the flats and crews were still there last night treating the lining.
"It is dangerous when burnt so needs to be treated and disposed of in a special way."
Mr Littlewood said their primary concern was for the residents who were living in the home.
"Neighbours had heard screams but when we got there we found nobody inside the flats."
One boy was at his home just around the corner watching television inside when he suddenly got a strong "whiff" of smoke.
"I wasn't even outside my house but yet the smell of smoke was so strong. I jumped off the couch and looked outside and there was so much smoke blowing in to the sky."
He wanted to see what was going on so ran to get his bike and raced around the corner to the complex of flats.
"I got here just as the first fire engine arrived and it was pretty bad by then."
Mr Littlewood said multiple hoses were used from the back and front, as the fire surged in more than one home.
Four appliances from the Hastings and Napier stations attended, along with the operational support crew.
Another concern for fire crews were the two large dogs running freely at the back of the property but these were shortly caught and kept away from the burning flats.
Mr Littlewood did not know what caused the blaze but fire investigation services arrived at the properties last night.