‘Total loss’: Home on SH1 south of Whangārei destroyed by fire overnight

A home just south of Whangārei has gone up in flames overnight.

Firefighters from seven brigades worked to extinguish the blaze on State Highway 1 in Oakleigh.

Fire and Emergency NZ’s Northland district manager Wipari Henwood said the home’s occupants were all accounted for, but the house was a “total loss”.

Henwood said the fire had been “challenging” for crews with a steep driveway and bush near the rear of the property.

He also said there was a petrol station nearby.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the fire was out for just 1am after first arriving just after 8pm.

The spokesperson said a fire investigator would be returning this morning.

The New Zealand Transport Agency advised drivers just south of Oakleigh to expect delays and take extra care.