Firefighters say a blaze in Auckland last night highlights why we shouldn't close fire stations

Parnell firefighters rescued a man his 20s who was trapped in his home in Orakei.

The first crew to arrive from Parnell found the house well ablaze ... with the man inside disorientated in smoke and unable to escape.

A spokesperson from the NZ Professional Firefighters' Union says Parnell had sufficient crew to rescue the man from his burning home.

However, they say if the fire happened today, a fire truck from another station would have to respond, and minutes cost lives.