Possessions destroyed

Treasured family photographs were among household possessions lost when a container being used as a storage shed in Bluff was gutted by fire yesterday.

Bluff resident John Thompson lost furniture, books, video tapes, LPs and tools when the container behind his house burst into flames about 1.30pm.

Some of the items had belonged to his wife and mother, both of whom died some years ago, he said.

''They've been in there 12 years. I thought they would be safe.''

Mr Thompson was mowing his neighbour's lawn when he heard his dog, Baldrick, barking.

''He had jumped up on the fence and was barking his head off. I looked over and saw the shed in flames.

"I called out for my son to call the fire brigade, but I knew it was too late [to save anything].''

The container was insured. Fire brigade spokesman Scott Allan said the cause of the fire was unknown at this stage.