A resident told the Herald the house was engulfed in flames by the time she and her husband were woken by another homeowner around 5am.
“By that stage, the house was well alight. We were across the street and it was too hot to stay there,” the woman said.
A neighbour said she was awoken by multiple loud bangs about 4.45 am and looked out her window to see smoke coming from the Queen St house.
“It’s upset everybody today”, she said, adding it was a typically quiet neighbourhood where “everyone looks after each other”.
The couple’s family ēarlier said they were deeply grateful for the support from the community after the blaze.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Pomana Marsh told Stuff the two people killed in the fire were his grandparents.
“My family and I are deeply grateful for the support and kindness shown by the local community today.
“We also want to acknowledge the authorities for their compassion, assistance, and professionalism during this incredibly tragic time for our family,” Marsh said.
The deaths have been referred to the coroner.
