A 61 year old man is confirmed dead after he was caught in a house fire in Whanganui on Wednesday.
The man was rushed to hospital in critical condition shortly after emergency services arrived at the scene midday.
A police spokesperson said there are no suspicious circumstances and the matter has been referred to the coroner.
Whanganui Fire Station assistant area commander Scott Bell said the fire started in the conservatory and quickly spread to the roof.
Five fire fighter crews, six police cars and two ambulances attended. A second alarm was signalled amidst fears the fire could spread up the surrounding hills.
Mr Bell said fire fighter crews managed to get on top of the fire before it got out of control.
Montgomery Rd was closed off for an hour while emergency services dealt with the incident.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Two firefighter crews searched the two storey building and no one else was found.
The man's name has not been released while next of kin are advised.