A house fire in Tokoroa this morning has left one person in a serious condition, one in a moderate condition, and one in a minor condition in hospital.
A St John spokeswoman said two ambulances were sent to the scene, and all three patients were taken to Tokoroa hospital.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) spokesman said crews were called at 5.51am to a home on Dalmeny St, and told at least one person had suffered burns.
"It was fully involved when they arrived."
A neighbour said he got up when "there were people swearing, the cat ran away, dogs started barking".
Then he saw the house next door fully engulfed in fire.
"I shifted my car and waited for the brigade to get there."
There was a handful of people on the street.
"I talked to some kids on the back lawn too and made sure they were okay, and that no one else was inside."
The neighbour said he did not know the occupants of the house, and he was not concerned for his own property.
"There was no wind so the flames were just going straight up and the smoke wasn't being blown around. The fire brigade had it under control really quickly."
One appliance from Putaruru and two from Tokoroa were sent.
A fire investigator has been at the scene this morning.
OPINION: New Zealander reflects on delivering speech at St James' Palace.