Waikato, New Zealand—A farmhouse fire in the Waikato region left one person dead and two others injured early Friday. Emergency services received multiple calls when smoke was seen rising from the property around dawn.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews arrived to find the structure fully engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts to control the fire, the building sustained irreparable damage.

Two individuals managed to escape the burning home and were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns. Paramedics transported both survivors to a regional hospital for further assessment.

The body of the third occupant was discovered during the search of the property after the fire was extinguished. Police have cordoned off the site to begin an investigation into the cause.

The farmhouse was located in a remote rural area, which delayed the arrival of the initial firefighting units. Local volunteers assisted in providing water to support the efforts to contain the fire.

Fire investigators are currently collecting samples from the debris to determine the origin of the blaze. There is no indication of suspicious activity at this stage of the inquiry.

The local community is providing support to the surviving family members who have lost their home and belongings. The tragedy has shocked the small rural district.

Investigators are expected to remain at the scene for several days as they piece together the sequence of events. Forensic experts will perform a post-mortem on the deceased to finalize the cause of death.