Firefighters at the scene this morning. Photo / ODT / Hamish McNeilly
"Due to the nature of the fire, they requested two more appliances. These were dispatched from Milton. Due to water supply [issues] three tankers also responded.
A number of other people managed to escape the blaze, however the exact details had yet to be confirmed, the spokesman said.
Firefighters launched an "external attack" on the blaze due to the nature of the fire.
Mr Huiateroa was later discovered deceased inside the building.
"Due to the nature of the fire we have two specialist Fire Service investigators in attendance," the spokesman said.
The matter will be referred to the Coroner.
The Fire Service also overnight responded to a fire at a set of stables at the AMP Showgrounds on the outskirts of Christchurch and to a suspicious fire at a garage in Saint Albans.
