Flames and smoke could be seen ‘billowing’ from the upstairs window of a family home in Taupō as firefighter crews arrived on the scene at Gillies Ave.
Next-door neighbour Elizabeth Parnell said she and her husband first thought it was a rubbish fire but quickly realised it was more serious, so called 111.
Parnell said flames and smoke could be seen “billowing” out of an upstairs window. She said it was a “youngish” family living next door.
The residents of the home, who did not wish to be identified, said nobody was inside at the time of the fire.
“Just still a bit in shock at the moment. Not sure what to do next really,” one member of the family said.