Chch house fire destroys most of residents' possessions

Photo / File

The residents of a Christchurch home lost most of their possessions in one of three fires in the South Island since last night.

The house on Burnside Cres was well ablaze when firefighters arrived shortly after 8.40pm.

Fire Service southern communications shift manager Andrew Norris said three of four occupants were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

"Basically they've lost most of their possessions so they're being looked after by Victim Support as well," he said.

The fire had started in a bedroom, but the cause was not yet known.

However, it was not being treated as suspicious.

Fifteen minutes earlier, firefighters were called to a kitchen fire in a house on Dunarnan St in Avonside, Christchurch.

Mr Norris said the fire started in a pot on the stove.

"It was out on arrival but one person was treated for burns by St Johns."

Early today, firefighters were called to a large blaze in an unoccupied house on Ythan St in Invercargill.

Mr Norris said the house was well ablaze when firefighters arrived about 3am.

"The house has suffered extensive damage and that fire is being treated as suspicious."

Fire safety investigators will try to establish the cause of the blaze this morning.