The blaze has been extinguished. Photo: Jimmy Ellingham / RNZ
Two people are missing after a fire completely engulfed a home in Foxton Beach.
Five fire crews, police and St John were called to the blaze on Queen Street just after 5am on Tuesday.
The blaze had been extinguished, but two people had still not been accounted for, Manawatu Area Commander Ross Grantham said Fire and Emergency said.
Police would be be carrying out an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Foxton Beach house fire Photo: RNZ
"We are working to understand the circumstances and urgently locate the unaccounted people," Grantham said.
Manawatū-Whanganui assistant commander Barry Madgwick told RNZ , Police and FENZ were just starting their investigations into the fire's cause.
"It will take some time to work through that process."
Madgwick said firefighters were still putting out elements of the blaze due to the complexity of the structural collapse of the house.
He said it took around an hour to bring the fire under control and that the home was completely destroyed.
Nearby resident Jeanie told RNZ early this morning she could see the fire.
"And all the noises and bangs and things popping off."
She was "heartbroken" when she saw the blaze and she was upset by the event.
Jeanie thanked the local fire brigade and police for their work.
A neighbour told RNZ they were woken up by the sound of sirens in the area.
Fire crews have been battling a house fire in Foxton Beach . Photo: Jimmy Ellingham / RNZ
She came out of her house and could see fire trucks and firefighters setting up their equipment.
"You could see the flames coming up through the roof."
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden told RNZ he was thinking of the families of the two missing people.
"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating fire at Foxton beach and especially the families and loved ones of those who are still unaccounted for.
"It must be really distressing not only for those families but also the community."
Wanden said he wanted to ensure the community was supported as best it could be and thanked emergency services.
He said it was now a matter for emergency services as they investigate what had occurred.
Police were on scene with cordons in place around Queen Street, from Andrews Street to Edinburgh Terrace.
Officers would be providing reassurance patrols in the town on Tuesday.
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