Man dies in Buller house fire

A 51-year-old Buller man was killed early this morning when his house was destroyed by fire.


Transalpine Assistant Fire Commander Mark Chubb said neighbours of the Inangahua man called emergency services soon after 2am when they noticed the Upper Buller Gorge Rd house burning.


By the time local volunteer firefighters arrived at the scene the house was well ablaze, Mr Chubb said.


He said there were concerns someone was inside the house and they were later confirmed when they found the man's body in the lounge once the fire was extinguished.


Greymouth Fire Safety Officer Mark Thomas said he believed the house was not connected to an electricity supply and had no smoke alarms.


Investigations were continuing today to try and establish what may have caused the fire.


The man's name will not be released until his next of kin are notified.


- NZPA