Man dead after Rānui, West Auckland fire damages cabin, cause of blaze investigated

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a cabin fire at the Western Park Village on Swanson Rd, Ranui. Photo / NZ Herald

The man who died in an unexplained early-morning cabin fire in a former West Auckland caravan park is being remembered as a “well-respected resident” and a “good guy with a big heart”.

Police said they were alerted to the fire at a property on Swanson Rd, Rānui at 4.41am.

“Tragically, a resident of the home was found deceased inside,” said a spokesperson.

The victim was a notable figure at Western Village Park where he lived for many years, park chief executive Brad Heaven said.

“He was a well-respected, long-term resident who certainly had his issues but a good guy with a big heart.

“All we can say is that this is a tragic event for our community and our thoughts are with the deceased, his family and friends at this time.”

Police said the fire is being treated as unexplained and they are conducting a scene examination.

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a cabin fire at Western Park Village on Swanson Rd, Rānui. Photo / NZ Herald

Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager Ryan Geen said they were alerted to a cabin on fire in Rānui at 4.23am.

First responders found the 5x3m cabin in the Swanson Rd property “well ablaze”, but the Henderson crew extinguished the fire, Geen said.

Police cordoned off cabins at the caravan park. Photo / NZ Herald

Pictures from the scene show a police cordon around the fire-damaged cabin and groups of firefighters gathered at the scene.

Police, Fire and Emergency and Hato Hone St John attended the blaze. Photo / NZ Herald

At least two rows of nearby cabins were also cordoned off by police.

The fire, which extensively damaged the dwelling, required three trucks from Henderson and Te Atatū crews, and fire investigators are at the scene.

The fire occurred at Western Park Village on Swanson Rd, Rānui. Photo / NZ Herald

St John Ambulance said a rapid response vehicle and ambulance was sent to the scene, and referred any further inquiries to police.

Fire and Emergency said the service was alerted to the fire at 4.23am. Photo / NZ Herald

In 2016, a suspicious overnight blaze was reported in Western Park Village, where a caravan was engulfed by fire, though everyone inside escaped.

A policeman stands in a cordoned-off area at Western Park Village. Photo / NZ Herald

Western Park Village’s website says it primarily offers temporary housing for up to 300 people in the outer Auckland suburb, including cabins, units, trailer homes and powered sites, though some tenants become permanent residents.