Firefighters are battling a blaze at a home engulfed in flames in Oamaru this evening.
Two crews from Oamaru and one from Weston are fighting the fire at a Frome St property, in the north of the town.
A reporter at the scene said a firefighter had emerged from the house wearing breathing apparatus and blackened by soot.
About 12 firefighters were now on scene, he said.
A large crowd has gathered to watch the fire at the pale brick house, featuring a flag pole flying a Tino Rangatiratanga flag.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand communications shift supervisor Andrew Norris said the blaze began in the basement of the two story property and the first level was fully alight shortly after 7pm.
There were no reports of injury nor anyone at the home when the fire began, he said.
