Police and fire officers are investigating a "suspicious" blaze at a council flat in Christchurch.
Southern Fire Communications shift manager Brent Dunn said firefighters were called to the Spreydon block of four flats about 4.10am today.
Crews found a fire on the outside wall of a flat and a person suffering from smoke inhalation, who was treated by ambulance staff at the scene.
Mr Dunn said the Spreydon fire was being treated as suspicious.
Police and fire investigators would return this morning to determine how the fire at the rental property started.
