Police are treating a death as unexplained and the blaze as suspicious following a large house and car fire in northern Whangārei early this morning.
At 2.40am Fire and Emergency NZ received multiple calls to a fire that started in a car in Tikipunga. Fenz said on arrival crews found the fire had spread to the house.
Detective Inspector Al Symonds told a man was found inside the home after the fire had been extinguished.
“Despite efforts from first responders, the man had received critical injuries, and sadly died at the scene,” Symonds said.
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A scene guard is now in place and neighbors were spoken this morning.
The post-mortem examination and formal identification of the victim will take place in the coming days.
“Our investigation is now in the early stages to determine the full circumstances of what has occurred,” Symonds said.
Northern shift manager Paul Radden said both car and house were “well involved in fire” when the brigade arrived.
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Two crews from Whangārei and two from Kamo attended the blaze. As of 5.30am the fire was contained, with one crew still at the scene tamping down hotspots.
Just before 5am crews were called to a second car fire in Tikipunga. Radden did not know if the two fires were related.
Shift manager Josh Pennefather has since confirmed a person had died – having succumbed to their injuries after they were rescued by firefighters.
Symonds is asking that anyone who was in the area or has information to assist who has not yet spoken to police to get in touch.
Police can be contacted via the 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Please reference file number 240429/4766. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
