Home destroyed, others damaged in Auckland fire

One house has been razed and two others damaged in a suspicious fire in Auckland tonight.

More than sixty firefighters battled the Westmere blaze. The fire service sent 15 trucks to the fire around 8.30pm, including aerial or ladder trucks.

Northern Fire Communications shift manager Jarron Philips said three houses were ablaze and neighbouring houses were evacuated.

It was initially feared  people were trapped but police have confirmed everyone from the houses is accounted for.

Inspector Shawn Rutene said the house that suffered the worst damage was undergoing construction.

"At this stage we were notified of four to five teenagers who were seen leaving the address just before the fire," he said. "Three are helping us with our enquiries."

The owner of the burnt-out property refused to comment.

The houses will be under police guard overnight and the fire service will investigate the blazes tomorrow.

- © Fairfax NZ News