More accounts are expected in court today, of those who escaped and fought a fire which engulfed Wellington's Loafers Lodge

A 50-year-old man is on trial, charged with five counts of murder and two of arson over the 2023 blaze.

Herald reporter Melissa Nightingale says so far this week the judge has heard evidence from resident statements, and emotional accounts from firefighters.

She says they're expecting to hear from more Fire and Emergency New Zealand officers on the reaction to the blaze today.

It's the first of what's expected to be a five week trial.