A fire which gutted a shed on Harris Street in Te Puke has now been brought under control by firefighters.

Northern Fire Communications shift manager Megan Ruru could not confirm if anyone was home when fire broke out just before 3.30pm, but says it appears no-one was injured as a result of the blaze.


The house that was destroyed by the fire this afternoon in Te Puke. Photo: Gina Carline.

'The fire is now mostly out with firefighters dampening down any remaining hot spots. A fire investigator is now on his way to the scene of the fire,” says Megan.

Hampering firefighters' efforts this afternoon were gas canisters which were inside the shed when the fire broke out.

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Firefighters are currently battling a large fire measuring 20m x 20m which broke out in a Te Puke shed this afternoon.

Northern Fire Communications shift manager Megan Ruru says gas canisters were present in the shed when the fire broke out at the Harris Street property shortly before 3.30pm.

'The fire was well involved when the first crews arrived on the scene," says Megan.

'It sounds like there were some gas canisters inside the shed which have been exploding and has not helped the situation."

Five appliances from the Te Puke, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Maketu stations are currently working to bring the fire under control.

Due to the presence of gas canisters in the shed, member of the public are being asked to stay well clear of the area.




Photo: Supplied.