He went outside to see his neighbour's house ablaze and called emergency services.
"It was cracking and breaking through all the windows - it was terrifying because I knew he wouldn't get out," Mr Robinson said.
"I couldn't do a thing ... it was too far gone by the time I got out there."
Yesterday afternoon a section of the street was cordoned off by police who were investigating the scene along with fire investigators.
The body was removed from the destroyed property and taken to Palmerston North, and next of kin were informed.
The cause of the fire, which completely destroyed the house, was not yet known, however police said it was not thought to be suspicious.
The man, whose name has not yet been released, was believed to be the sole occupant of the house.
