The scene of a fatal house fire in Hamilton. Photo: RNZ / Libby Kirkby-McLeod
Hamilton residents are shocked by a house fire that killed a woman overnight.
Just before midnight three fire trucks were called to a small unit on Gadsby Place in Hamilton East.
One person was found dead at the scene.
Residents told RNZ the deceased was a middle-aged woman who had been a really nice neighbour. One resident said only a few days prior, the woman had shared homemade cookies with her.
A fire broke out in a small unit on Gadsby Place in Hamilton East. Photo: RNZ / Libby Kirkby-McLeod
A woman whose kitchen backs onto the deceased's house said she heard a crackling sound around midnight. Her kitchen wall had become hot to touch.
She and her flatmate went outside to investigate, with fire engines already arriving.
A FENZ spokesperson said the fire was extinguished shortly after crews arrived.
Less than an hour after this incident, two fire trucks were called to a house in Huntly.
Crews had to call in a third truck before they were able to put out the fire just before 2am.
Investigations into both blazes are under way.