Explosion reported at south Auckland home

One person on fire has been reportedly seen fleeing from a home in south Auckland, after an explosion was heard.

Initial reports suggested two people on fire were seen fleeing from the building, however the fire service has since clarified it was one.

Four people have been injured, one of them critically, a fire service spokesperson told Newshub.

Two suffered burns while the other two suffered smoke inhalation, according to police. All four have been taken to hopsital.

Witness Serenity Joseph told Newshub she saw two people on the ground outside the house, on fire, and surrounded by other people who were trying to extinguish it.

"It was pretty freaky, my heart kind of dropped a little bit," she said.

It's believed there was an explosion in a bedroom in the second-storey of a home on Lappington Rd, in Otara, around 2:45pm on Tuesday.

Inspector Kerry Watson said there is "no immediate risk" to nearby residents and the fire has been contained.

A fifth person was seen leaving the area when emergency services arrived and police are looking to track them down.

Anyone who saw the fire is urged to contact police.

Several fire crews are at the scene as well as police and ambulances, and the street has been cordoned off.

It's not yet known what caused the fire, but fire investigators don't think it's suspicious.

"It's not thought to be suspicious, but more likely careless use of an ignition source," assistant area commander Craig Monrad said.

One person told the fire service they had lit a cigarette with a lighter in the bedroom.

Newshub.