Bowhill Road in east Christchurch is reopening after being closed when a fire tore through a large two-storey home.
Fire on Bowhill Road, New Brighton, Christchurch Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they received more than 20 calls to the New Brighton property after the blaze sparked about 1pm.
Earlier today police cordoned off the road and asked residents to avoid the area while emergency services dealt with the blaze.
They said the home measured at least 20m by 8m.
The firefighters first at the blaze called for backup - five crews with breathing apparatuses contained the fire and then began dampening down hotspots.
Residents living downwind of the home were told to shut their doors and windows and avoid the smoke.
There are no reports of injuries, or of anyone being at the property, when the blaze broke out.
Police intend remaining at the property overnight while their investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
Emergency services attend a fire on Bowhill Road, New Brighton. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
