The speed of a fire which destroyed a two storey house in Paekakariki was "unbelieveable", Kapiti Coast District Council deputy mayor Janet Holborow said.
Ten fire crews attended the house fire which started on the corner of Wellington Rd and Beach Rd at about 5am this morning.
![A house fire rages on the corner of Wellington Rd and Beach Rd Paekakariki. Photo: Marcel Hamann](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/6JKYPPMPCFXPLQIIOXNO7QLRXI.jpg?auth=84cc245c75bb0bb2e773448afefac1a6bf76cb86f53b6cca36d36cd44840417e&width=16&height=22&quality=70&smart=true)
Paekakariki Volunteer Fire Brigade station officer Aaron Richardson said occupants in the house had been evacuated with the assistance of neighbours when the first crews arrived.
The fire was "fully involved" when firefighters arrived.