A person who tried fighting a kitchen fire was taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation last night.
The Fire Service said the blaze broke out in Alexandra Rd in Richmond, Christchurch at about 7.10pm.
"The caller had come home and found the house full of smoke and a fire in the kitchen. When the brigade got there...the occupants had suffered smoke inhalation as a result of their efforts to try and make entry into the house and put the fire out themselves," said Andrew Norris, Fire Southern Communications shift manager.
Mr Norris said one person was taken to hospital after St John personnel treated them for smoke inhalation.
"Our advice to people is always just to close all the doors, which helps prevent further smoke damage...and just leave the property. Wait outside for the Fire Service," Mr Norris said.
"We don't encourage or suggest that people try and fight the fire at all."
