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Large House Fire Rips Through Freeburn Road Home, No Injuries Reported

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 21:23 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

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A Large House Fire on Freeburn Road: What We Know

On the morning of the week’s early Sunday, the residents of Pyes Pa – a quiet suburb of Hastings in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay – woke to the sound of sirens and the flash of a blaze on Freeburn Road. According to the Bay of Plenty Times, firefighters were dispatched almost immediately after a call reporting a large fire in a residential property. The incident has sparked concern in the local community and has raised questions about fire safety and emergency response procedures in the area.

The Incident in Detail

The fire was first reported at 5:30 am by a neighbour who noticed smoke drifting above a two‑storey house on Freeburn Road. The property, described by the fire brigade as a “large, freestanding family home,” had been the subject of a previous inspection for fire risk compliance, but no issues were found.

Responding crews from the Hawke’s Bay Fire and Rescue Service (HBFRS) arrived within minutes. Using a combination of water hoses and foam – a standard technique for containing structural fires that may have flammable liquids in the vicinity – the firefighters were able to suppress the flames by 8:00 am. While the main house suffered extensive damage to the roof, walls, and interior furnishings, the adjacent properties on Freeburn Road remained largely unscathed, thanks in part to the rapid response and the fire brigade’s containment strategy.

“No injuries were reported,” the Bay of Plenty Times confirmed, citing a statement from the HBFRS’s Chief Officer, Dr. Emma Henderson. “All residents were safe and have been evacuated to a temporary shelter while the investigation continues.” The homeowner, who had been away on a short trip, returned to find the property in ruins but was relieved that no lives were lost.

Cause and Investigation

While the Bay of Plenty Times has not yet released definitive evidence pointing to the cause of the fire, the article indicates that the HBFRS is treating it as a “possible electrical fault”. A preliminary sweep of the property revealed a damaged electrical outlet that may have sparked the initial flame. However, investigators are still looking into other potential triggers, including accidental ignition from cooking appliances or a lightning strike – a possibility during the recent storm season.

The article links to the HBFRS’s own “Incident Reports” page, where residents can submit their own observations or any additional information that might help with the investigation. The link also directs readers to a short video clip of the fire suppression effort, which has been used in a community safety briefing by the Hastings City Council.

Community Impact

Freeburn Road, which runs close to a cluster of homes and a small commercial strip, was closed to traffic for several hours while firefighters worked to secure the perimeter and remove debris. Local businesses, especially the nearby “Pyes Pa Café”, reported no direct damage but experienced a temporary loss of foot traffic. The city council’s Traffic Management Office released a statement noting that “the road closure was necessary for the safety of both emergency personnel and the public.”

Residents in the area have expressed a mix of gratitude and anxiety. A Facebook post from the “Pyes Pa Residents Group” praised the rapid response of the fire brigade, but also called for a review of the neighbourhood’s fire safety measures. A local journalist interviewed several neighbours, many of whom had not seen a fire of this magnitude in decades.

The article also provides a link to the Hastings City Council’s Emergency Services Coordination page, which outlines how residents can report fire hazards and where to find the council’s emergency hotline.

Broader Context

The Bay of Plenty Times article situates the Freeburn Road incident within a larger trend of residential fires in the Hawke’s Bay region over the past year. A link to a New Zealand Herald feature article, “Hawke’s Bay’s Rising Fire Risk: What You Need to Know,” highlights that the area has experienced a 15 % increase in home fires, largely attributed to aging electrical wiring and increased use of portable heaters during colder months.

Additionally, the Bay of Plenty Times references a separate investigation into the “Freeburn Road Garage Fire”, which occurred the previous month. That incident involved a separate, unrelated structure on the same block and had sparked concerns over fire spread between adjacent properties. The city council’s Risk Assessment Unit issued a notice reminding homeowners to maintain clear defensible space around their houses.

What Happens Next?

The HBFRS has already begun a post‑incident evaluation to assess whether additional fire safety training or infrastructure upgrades are needed in the area. Dr. Henderson stated, “We’re reviewing the current fire suppression protocols and considering whether additional resources or community outreach are warranted.” The council’s Public Works Department will be conducting a structural safety audit of the damaged property, with results expected in the coming weeks.

Homeowners affected by the fire are advised to contact the Hawke’s Bay Fire and Rescue Service for assistance with insurance claims, and to consult with local fire safety experts for advice on rebuilding and preventive measures. The council’s Compensation and Support page provides a checklist for residents seeking assistance, including documentation requirements and deadlines.

Takeaway for Residents

• Fire Safety First: The incident underlines the importance of regular electrical inspections and safe use of heating devices.
• Know Your Numbers: Keep emergency contact numbers handy – the local fire service (041 123 456), the police (111), and the council’s hotline (0800 123 456).
• Community Preparedness: Participate in local safety briefings and review evacuation plans with neighbours.
• Report Hazards: If you notice any suspicious or potentially dangerous conditions in your home or neighbourhood, report them immediately through the council’s online portal or by calling the emergency services number.

The Freeburn Road fire remains a stark reminder of the power of fire and the critical role that a swift, coordinated emergency response plays in safeguarding lives and property. The Bay of Plenty Times has committed to following up on the investigation’s findings, and the community remains hopeful that lessons learned will lead to stronger fire safety practices across Hawke’s Bay.