Experts probe fatal fire

Emergency services at the scene of a fatal fire in Taneatua yesterday morning. Photo/Supplied.

Police and fire experts are sifting through the charred remains of a house in Taneatua to determine what caused the blaze that killed a person.

Police had not officially named the person who died in the fire, which started just after 4am yesterday at a property on Howell Rd, near the intersection with the main road in the township. A police statement said there was nothing at this stage to suggest the fire was suspicious but the examination was not yet complete and there were further inquiries that needed to be made.

The statement said police were not yet able to confirm the identity of the person found dead at the house and could not comment on age or gender.

"Those details will be released as soon as they are confirmed and next of kin have been advised," the statement said.

Yesterday, police detectives, a fire investigator and a pathologist were searching through the charred debris for what may have caused the fire.

Rotorua fire safety investigator Stuart Booten said yesterday afternoon the cause of the blaze had not been determined.

The Rotorua Daily Post was at the scene yesterday and about 20 members of the public had gathered near the cordons around the area. Some were crying. Members of the public told the Rotorua Daily Post a woman had died.

Family and friends of the woman believed to have died have been paying their respects on Facebook.

Described on Facebook by a family member as a matriarch, loved ones including her children and grandchildren posted she would be missed.