A large Kerikeri shed and all it contained, including a boat, tools and equipment, was destroyed by fire yesterday.
Kerikeri Chief Fire Officer Les Wasson said the call came at 1pm to a fire at a 30 metre by 10 metre shed on a property on Pa Rd.
There were initial reports of an explosion, and possibly two, coming from the shed, which was well alight by the time the Kerikeri brigade got there.
Mr Wasson said crews from Paihia and Okaihau were called in as back up for Kerikeri's three machines and there were concerns there may have been cylinders of acetylene and argon in the shed.
The flames also spread to a nearby hedge and grass, with the fire eventually put out about 4pm. Fire Safety officers are investigating the cause of the blaze.