Firefighters have issued a warning to the community to have their chimneys checked after an incident in Te Hāpara.
Fire crews were called to a home on Monday night and discovered the house filled with smoke.
They were able to clear a blockage from the chimney and ventilate the property.
A senior firefighter emphasised the importance of chimney maintenance as winter approaches.
“The incident is a timely reminder for people to get their chimney checked, and if necessary cleaned, as we head towards winter,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fire and Emergency New Zealand received a report of a car on fire along Centennial Marine Drive.
The vehicle, believed to be abandoned, was completely burnt out.
Police have launched an inquiry.
