Gisborne fire: Man arrested after blaze rips through Mangapapa home
The big plume of smoke from a George St house fire was clearly visible from many areas of Gisborne city. Photo / Paul Benge
A man has been arrested and charged with arson after a house fire in the Gisborne suburb of Mangapapa this morning.
Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and St John Ambulance were alerted about 8.50am to the property fire in George St, off Valley Rd.
The Gisborne Heraldwas told about 15 people were living in the house.
The man will make an initial court appearance on Saturday.
Billowing smoke was visible from many parts of the city.
“The large house was well involved in flame in front, with about half the house on fire when we got there,” a firefighter said.
“Everyone living in the family-owned home had got out when we got there.
“We understand they were at the rear of the house at the time the fire started and were alerted by smoke alarms.”
The firefighter said the blaze started at the front of the home and spread rapidly.
It took firefighters about 30 minutes to get it under control.
“It took a full hour and a half to get it out completely.”
Fire crews were to go back to check on it during the day.
“We were able to contain it to the front part of the house, using multiple deliveries.
“There’s a lot of structural damage at the front with serious smoke damage throughout.”
The services of the St John crews who attended were not required.
Among those living in the house were several young people.