Caravan catches fire, destroying possessions

A Queenstown man was uninjured, but left with only the shirt and trousers he was wearing when his caravan caught fire early on Saturday.

Queenstown police and Frankton volunteer firefighters were called to the burning caravan at Frankton Motor Camp, at 2.30am.

Detective Sergeant Grahme Bartlett, of Queenstown, said yesterday it was known there was one male occupant and a dog and there were fears for their safety when they could not be located immediately.

However, police later discovered he had slept elsewhere.

Det Sgt Bartlett said he and Fire Safety investigator Mike Cahill, of Invercargill, were investigating the blaze, which destroyed the caravan.

"We're leaning towards the possibility it's non-suspicious, but inquiries are continuing."

The man, described as a long-term Queenstown resident, was referred to Victim Support staff, who were trying to relocate him, Det Sgt Bartlett said.

A 40-year-old Queenstown man was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol, after the car he was driving allegedly hit a parked vehicle on Fernhill Rd at 2am yesterday.

Police said he returned a breath-alcohol reading of 874mcg, 474mcg over the limit.

The man is expected to appear in the Queenstown District Court on September 20.