72-year-old man named as victim of fatal West Auckland house fire
Police have named the man who died after a fatal house fire in West Auckland on Saturday night.
Kenneth John McDougall, 72, died after flames engulfed a home on Forest Hill Rd, Henderson.
Police said the fire is not believed to be suspicious and the death has been referred to the coroner.
“Our thoughts are with Kenneth’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” police said.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson told the Herald on Saturday that multiple calls alerted them to the blaze at 8.37pm.
The single-storey home, measuring about 15m by 15m, was fully involved in fire when crews arrived.
About 35 firefighters responded to Saturday's blaze on Forest Hill Rd. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Police confirmed on Sunday that one person who was originally unaccounted for had died.
About 35 firefighters responded, supported by six fire engines, a command unit, a hazardous materials unit and a breathing apparatus support vehicle, with crews coming from Henderson, Glen Eden, Te Atatū, Auckland City and Titirangi.
The incident was escalated to a second alarm response as firefighters battled the blaze and carried out a search and rescue operation for the missing person.
Fire and Emergency Assistant Area Commander Katie Pocock told the Herald at the scene that on arrival, crews found a well-involved property fire and were advised that a person was reportedly inside.
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