House fire in Oamaru brought under control after damaging second property

Firefighters battle a blaze which severely damaged a house in Oamaru this afternoon. Photo / Logan Harris

A well-ablaze house fire in Oamaru damaged a second property before it was brought under control by firefighters who swarmed to the scene.

A male patient was transported with moderate injuries to Oamaru Hospital about 2.40pm.

The fire is being treated as suspicious.

Emergency services rushed to the fire on Reed St, which runs parallel to State Highway 1, this afternoon.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) spokesman said two fire engines from Oamaru were in attendance, and another three were called in from neighbouring towns.

Within minutes Fenz established that everybody was clear of the house and tried to stop the fire spreading to neighbouring properties, he said.

"It did spread to a neighbouring property but it has all now been contained and extinguished and the crews are dampening down."

The damage to the second property was believed to be minor. The damage to the first property was extensive, he said.

Two police cars also attended the blaze.

Smoke was billowing from the house, which had been significantly damaged.

At least 15 firefighters had battled the fire, some wearing breathing apparatus.

A baby stroller and three children's bicycles were on the lawn.

About 100 people had looked on at the house fire, with the smoke visible from the centre of town.

Emergency services had blocked off part of the street.

- Otago Daily Times, NZME