House fire

Christmas has been ruined for a Hawke’s Bay homeowner with their rural house going up in flames. The home in Puketapu, near Hastings, was severely damaged by fire yesterday afternoon. A Fire Service spokesman said firefighters from Taradale, Napier and Hastings along with the rural fire service were called to the property in Springfield Rd about 4.45pm. When crews arrived the large home was in flames, he said. Firefighters ripped open the roof to attack the blaze and were at the scene for more than two hours. There were no reports of any injuries.