Police investigate Upper Hutt house fire

Fire safety officers are expected to start their investigation into a fire that destroyed an Upper Hutt house last night.

Police closed part of State Highway 2 at Timberlea because of smoke during the fire.

The blaze was first reported at 6.15pm and it was four hours before firefighters were able to bring it under control, said a Fire Service spokesman.

Seven appliances and about 25 firefighters fought the blaze at its height.

One appliance was still at the house this morning in case of flare ups and it was too early for officers to inspect the house, the spokesman said.

- NZPA