The house on North Rd was well alight when crews arrived. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery
Photo: Margot Taylor
A view of the back part of the property. Photo: Rachel Elder
A towering pall of smoke accompanied the explosion. Photo: Paul Smale
Firefighters dampen down the house. Photo: Paul Smale
At least five fire appliances attended the blaze. Photo: Paul Smale
A man has been rescued from his burning home by firefighters after an explosion was heard at the North Dunedin property.
The blaze broke out about 1pm on Sunday at the house on North Rd on after neighbours heard the loud noise.
A New Zealand Fire Service spokesman said when crews arrived, the fire was larger than they thought and five appliances and a turntable ladder were used.
A St John spokeswoman said the man suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Dunedin Hospital by ambulance.
No one else was in the house at the time.
Police earlier had to block the road in both directions as they tried to control a crowd of several hundred onlookers.
Fire appliances remained at the scene late in the afternoon.
