A witness has described the terrifying speed of a fire as it engulfed a farmhouse in Southland this morning.
Seven fire crews from around the region battled the fire at the home in Centre Rd, Waipango, near Riverton.
A reporter at the scene said the fire was dying down and the thick black smoke dissipating, after sections of the home's roof were removed to help firefighters douse the blaze.
Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman Brent Dunn said early this afternoon seven crews battled the fire at its peak but it was now dying down, as crews mopped up hot spots.
A fire investigator was en route but there was no word yet on the cause.
Homeowners' efforts to no avail
Owner Dave Loveridge told the Otago Daily Times his wife was inside the house when the smoke alarms sounded.
She got out immediately and called emergency services when she realised something inside the home was ablaze.
Mr Loveridge was working on the farm when she raised the alarm, and rushed in to attempt to contain the fire.
But his efforts were to no avail, he said.
"I went in to try get the fire extinguisher but it was in the room where the fire was.
"My worker stood at the door and I just told him to get out.
"I shot in and tried to shut the doors but that obviously didn't work.''
He speculated the fire might have begun at the electrical meter board end on the left of the home.
'It was so quick'
Mila Blasco is the wife of a worker who approached the property when he saw it going up in flames, suffering a sore chest from smoke inhalation in the property.
"He went in to get something, I don't know what,'' Mrs Blasco said.
"But then he came back ... and his chest was sore from the smoke.''
"I looked out the and saw the house with lots of flames, it was so quick.''
Smoke seen for miles
A reporter at the scene said earlier black smoke was billowing from windows and could be seen from as far as 5km away.
No flames were visible but the entire roof was charred black.
Heavy machinery was being used to remove parts of the roof to help crews fight the fire.
A man and a woman who appeared to have escaped the fire were being examined by St John staff.
They did not have any apparent physical injuries but the man was checked for breathing difficulties.
