A roadside house near Opotiki was severely damaged by a fire that drew fire fighters from Whakatane and Ohope this afternoon.

NZ Fire Service northern communication shift manager Steve Smith says including the Opotiki fire fighters, about 16 fire fighters were involved in fighting the blaze at the Waioeka road house, which was well alight then the Opotiki fire fighters arrived.

This house was damaged by fire today

A woman in her 60s the sole occupant and believed to be the owner, was assessed at the scene for smoke inhalation, but was not transported to hospital.

Fire fighters took about an hour to bring the blaze under control. Fire safety is investigating the cause.