Welcome Bay residents say they heard explosions before a house caught fire.

Firefighers were called to the fire on Waikite Road at about 10.30pm.

A reporter at the scene says there were several fire appliance called to deal with the fire.

"A neighbour told me that the house has been empty for a while and heard explosions coming from the property a car was parked in the driveway, but unsure if anyone was in the house."