Shed blaze destroys firearms | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

A shed containing firearms, ammunition and tools has been destroyed in an early morning blaze.

Owner Philip Berry said he and his wife Trish had been out on their Reporoa farm when the fire started early on Wednesday. The couple's 16-year-old daughter Stacey alerted them to the blaze.

Mr Berry said the shed contained tools and farm supplies worth "tens of thousands of dollars".

His daughter called 111 but the shed and its contents - including firearms and ammunition - went up in flames quickly and there was not a lot they could do.

The family tried to get to the weapons but managed to save only a road bike before the shed's ceiling collapsed.

"It's a bit disheartening," Mr Berry said.

However, the family were counting themselves lucky the fire did not spread to their house, which was only a few metres away from the tool shed. The house sustained only minor fire damage.

Mr Berry's eldest daughter Jessica, 19, took photos of the blaze, which burned for about 15 minutes.

"There was nothing else we could do," Mr Berry said.

He was unsure of the cause.

Fire service assistant Central Lakes area commander Nigel Richards, who attended the fire, said Taupo and Rotorua fire safety officers were still investigating the cause of the fire.

The crews who attended had done an excellent job of containing the fire, which had had the potential to spread, Mr Richards said.