St Philomena's catholic church in New Plymouth was fully ablaze today. The damage is so extensive, it is unlikely to be saved

A New Plymouth church is likely to be demolished after fire ripped through the building in New Plymouth today.

Fire crews from around New Plymouth were called to St Philomena's catholic church on Brooklands Road shortly before 3pm to find it fully involved.

On arrival, firefighters used high pressure hoses and truck-mounted monitors to fight the blaze. Due to the high winds crews found it difficult to get it under control.

At the height of the fire seven appliances and 4 support vehicles from New Plymouth, Oakura, Inglewood and Waitara were at the scene.

Flames and smoke were seen escaping through the windows and roof cavity and loud cracks and explosions were also heard. 

The damage is severe and is likely it will not be saved. 

It is believed no one was in the building at the time and surrounding buildings were not damaged.

The church celebrated 50 years in September last year and was also used by the adjacent St Puis X primary school.

Police will guard the scene overnight.

Fire scene investigators will investigate the fire at first light tomorrow.