House Fire guts family home in Oamarau

Boxing day for most families is usually a time for enjoying the gifts from Santa and sharing time with family but for one Oamaru family this day has turned into a day of terror and loss.

Emergency service rushed to the fire on Reed St, which runs parallel to State Highway 1 around 2.35pm today. From my house on Thames Highway I could see the column of black smoke rising high into the sky and my heart just sank.

Police said the fire, which extensively damaged the property, broke windows and melted guttering on two neighbouring properties.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) spokesman said two fire engines from Oamaru were in attendance, and another three were called in from neighbouring towns.

At this stage I don't know anything about the family affected but feel it is important to get the ball rolling on helping this family re-establish themselves.

The Family is insured but this will take time to come through and won't replace everything.