A 53-year-old man died last night after a fire engulfed his Highbank house, 11km northeast of Methven in Canterbury.
The fire began shortly after 9pm and was well involved when firefighters arrived, Canterbury assistant fire commander Mark Chubb said today.
"The body of a 53-year-old man has been identified in a bedroom of the Highbank house.
"Investigators will begin their inquiry today to find out what caused the fire."
The victim was the sole occupant of the house, near the Highbank power station. The house was extensively damaged.
Meanwhile, three people were injured and one person remains in hospital following a large house fire in Timaru early today.
The sole occupant of the house was taken to hospital after the 2.30am house fire. His condition was not considered life-threatening.
Two of his rescuers were also injured and treated at the scene.
- NZPA
One dead after South Island house fire
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