Two fire units and fire officers fight a fire on a leg-in section in Aln St, Oamaru, last night, using access from Dee St. Photo by David Bruce.
Two units from the Oamaru Fire Brigade and 15 firefighters spent more than an hour bringing the fire, which had spread into the roof of the house, under control, then stayed on site until after midnight to ensure it was out.
A man was the only occupant at the time and escaped without injury, rescuing his dog and birds.
Oamaru Chief Fire Officer Steve Couper said the blaze had spread through the house when the brigade arrived.
The occupant of the house, who did not want to comment, told fire officers an electric blanket had started the blaze.
A fire safety inspector was expected to investigate today.
