People accounted for after fire tears through house in Bay of Plenty

Police have confirmed everybody is accounted for following a house fire in Waihau Bay in Bay of Plenty.

However, emergency services remain at the scene on Thursday.

Earlier, the public was being asked to avoid the area after the blaze, which started about 3am.

Fire and Emergency said people were unaccounted for.

Northern shift manager Garreth Lewis said, “When we arrived, the house was well involved in fire.”

He said the home on Wi Tupaea Road was “significantly damaged” and four crews were sent.

Police say they were notified at about 4am.

“It is unclear whether the address was occupied at the time of the fire, and work is underway to locate known occupants of the address.”

Police have since given the all-clear on any possible occupants.

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