One Dead in Hastings House Fire

One person has died following a serious house fire in Hastings on Saturday afternoon, RNZ reported.

Emergency services were called to the blaze on Tamatea Street in the suburb of Mahora at around 2.30pm. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) confirmed multiple fire crews were dispatched to contain the fire, which had already engulfed much of the property on arrival.

Police said they are still working to formally identify the deceased, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. A specialist fire investigator has been sent to the scene.

Cordons have been established on Tamatea Street between Duke Street and Tamatea Place, and police are asking motorists and residents to avoid the area until further notice.

Neighbours reported seeing smoke billowing from the home, with some residents evacuated as a precaution while firefighters battled the flames. St John Ambulance also attended the scene.

This is the latest in a series of residential fire incidents across Hawke’s Bay in recent months, though authorities have not yet indicated whether there are any broader safety concerns.

Police said updates would be provided once the victim is identified and the cause of the fire confirmed, RNZ noted.