A major house fire in Sanson has left four people dead, including three children.

Manawatū District Mayor Michael Ford said police confirmed the fatalities to him, calling the incident “a sore hit” for the tight-knit town.

The fire broke out at a Sanson property on Saturday and was reported about 2.30pm.

The Herald understands police had been searching for three children after the blaze broke out.

“This is going to hurt our community - we are a caring community who will feel this deeply,” Ford said.

“It’s a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the family and the friends of the deceased. We hope that they’ll accept our sincere condolences.

“[Sanson] is an important part of our Manawatū community. We must thank our police and our fire and emergency, and all the responders.”

He said police confirmed to him four people had died in the blaze.

“Police have told me, they’ve told me, four people - including three children.”

Neighbours told the Herald yesterday that the family that resided at the now gutted home are “lovely”.

A person who lives near the fire said the incident is “very upsetting”.

“All I can say is they are a lovely family and neighbours.”

The neighbour described the children at the home as “happy, sweet kids”.

Police earlier confirmed they were not seeking anyone else in relation to the fire.

Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham announced the deaths in a statement on Saturday evening.

“Police can confirm there have been several fatalities at the scene of a house fire in Sanson.

“Emergency services were called to the property southwest of the town about 2.30pm,” he said.

Fire and Emergency NZ handed the scene over to the police, who then commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the fire.

A police scene guard remained in place overnight on Saturday.

The large blaze closed SH1 between Phillips St and Speedy Rd, police said.

Firefighters from the Bulls, Rongotea, Manawatū, Whanganui, Marton and Palmerston North brigades were called to the serious incident.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand declined to comment when approached by the Herald.