'Check your neighbour': Mayor's plea after fatal Coromandel fire

The Thames-Coromandel mayor is asking people to check on their neighbours after a person died in a house fire in Wharekaho overnight.

Emergency services were called to the Wharekaho Rd address, 6km north of Whitianga, about 2.25am today.

“The body of a person was later discovered inside the address,” said Senior Sergeant Chris Painter.

“A second person, who raised the alarm, escaped without injury and is being provided with support.”

Peter Revell told NZME the situation was “tragic”.

“Wharekaho is just such a beautiful part of the world, [a] beautiful part of our district.

“It’s a tiny community and for this to happen and for there to be a death as a result is tragic and it’ll be being felt by the whole community. It’s very sad.”

The district was used to adversity, and neighbours often support each other, he said.

“It’s a wonderful characteristic of our district and I’m confident that’s what’ll be happening.

“And if anybody’s listening to this message, please go and check your neighbour and just see that they’re okay as they cope with this tragedy.”

Any visitors in the area for the school holidays should be mindful of those who are hurting emotionally, Revell said.

A scene guard remained in place overnight and police will be carrying out a scene examination at the house today, Painter said, including working with fire investigators.

An ambulance was also sent to the incident, a Hato Hone St John spokesman confirmed. He could not comment further.

Fire and Emergency spokesman Colin Underdown said the house was “well involved” and the response was initially upgraded to a second alarm fire.

The blaze was extinguished at about 4am. Police had been notified and a fire investigator would be attending.