7 Feb 2014

Properties damaged ahead of wedding

8:23 pm on 7 February 2014

A fire has destroyed one home and damaged another in South Auckland, burning down a large wedding marquee in the process.

The gutted house in South Auckland.

The gutted house in South Auckland. Photo: RNZ

The blaze began at a two-storey house at Walden Place in Mangere East at 3.05pm on Friday before spreading to another home. A boat was also burning.

Emergency services said one person collapsed, but everyone inside the properties have been accounted for.

Assistant area commander Geoff Purcell said a strong, gusty wind made it difficult to put the fire out.

Firefighters remain at the scene on Friday night. Mr Purcell says it is unclear how the blaze started, but a fire investigator is also at the scene.

A marquee tent was also damaged.

A marquee tent was also damaged. Photo: RNZ