Six people were homeless yesterday after a fire destroyed a four-bedroom house at Wairuku in Rakiraki.

The owner of the house lives overseas while two other families were living in the house as tenants.

“My son and I were staying in the main house and there is another family of four who were staying in the master bedroom,” said Akosita Lewavoli.

Ms Lewavoli said she woke up about 1am after smelling smoke in the house.

“I could see the fire in the sitting room area and we couldn’t do much but got out of the house immediately. The other family was not home at the time.”

Strong winds hindered attempts by the National Fire Authority officers from putting out the fire.