Firefighters battled exploding gas cylinders and a lack of water to fight a massive stable fire that claimed a life south of Auckland this afternoon.
The fire started at a rural property on Bryant Rd, Karaka, about 10km southwest of Papakura, just before 4pm.
Thirteen fire appliances were needed to extinguish the blaze.
Two barns were well alight when firefighters arrived. The person, who has not yet been identified, was found dead inside one of the barns, northern fire communications shift manager Jarron Phillips said.
Reports there had been horses inside the barn had not been confirmed, he said.
Exploding gas cylinders meant firefighters could not get inside the barns to fight the fire.
Water was also scarce and some had to be pumped from a nearby swimming pool, he said.
Police and fire safety investigators are still at the scene.
