Two people are missing as at least six fire trucks battle a house fire which has caused significant damage in Foxton Beach this morning.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) spokesperson said crews were called to a house fire at Foxton Beach — which is about 5km west of Foxton and 90 minutes north of Wellington — shortly after 5am.
They said on arrival, the incident was escalated to a second alarm and six trucks from Foxton Beach, Foxton, Himatangi Beach, Waitārere Beach, Levin, and Shannon attended.
At 8.30am, Manawatu Area Commander Ross Grantham said "at this time, two people remain outstanding".
"We are working to understand the circumstances and urgently locate the unaccounted people," he said.
Grantham said officers were on scene with cordons in place around Queen Street, from Andrews Street to Edinburgh Terrace.
"Police will be providing reassurance patrols in the town today."
Earlier, FENZ said the building sustained significant damage and was considered structurally compromised.
St John were also in attendance.
A fire investigator was at the scene, and the incident response was ongoing.
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