UPDATED 2PM: A person has died in a house fire in Maungatapu.

Fire northern communications shift manager Paul Radden says there has been a single confirmed fatality at the Moiri Place address this afternoon.

The Fire Service was called at 12.53pm, and upon arrival found the house 'well-involved' in fire.

Paul says as a result, a second alarm was sounded and more crews responded from Tauranga, Greerton, and Mount Maunganui.

The fire has now been contained, with special fire investigators on the scene to determine the cause of the blaze.

EARLIER:

Smoke can be seen billowing from a house fire in Maungatapu.

A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says there is a house fire in Moiri Place.

Another caller says the fire is "huge" and can be seen from the Turret Road Bridge.

A photographer at the scene says large plumes of smoke can be seen coming from the fire.

Police are at the scene and are assisting firefighters.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Photos: Monique Edlinger.

Photos: Bruce Barnard.

At the scene?

Call 0800 SUNLIVE or email photos to newsroom@thesun.co.nz