Fire investigators arrive at the scene of a house fire on the outskirts of Christchurch last night. Photo / Amber Allott "A priority for us is to ensure the search of the property can be completed in a safe manner," Superintendent Lane Todd said.
A neighbour says an older man lives at the property on his own.
She and her husband went over to the house last night when they heard there was a fire - but by then there was nothing they could do.
The woman says the man's vehicle was outside the property and that he spent a lot of time at home.
She says it was not very nice thinking about the fact he could have been inside the house when the fire broke out.
