The Fire Service says the occupants of a Gisborne house that has been destroyed by fire are lucky to be alive.
The alarm was raised by a woman who was asleep in the lounge before being awoken by the sound of the fire on Monday morning. She alerted the others in the house and everyone got out safely.
The Fire Service says by the time the first crew arrived at 9.30am, the house was engulfed in flames.
Up to 10 people were living in the house and firefighters say they have lost everything .
An investigation is under way.
