Firefighters outside the house in Kelso Pl, south Invercargill, extensively damaged by fire yesterday. Photo by Allison Beckham.
Craig McCallum, who lives two doors away in Kelso Pl, said he smelled smoke about 2.40pm and went outside to investigate.
Thick smoke was billowing from the house and large flames were shooting from the roof.
''Then whoomph - she just went. All the windows in the front half of the house exploded.''
No-one was home at the time. Neighbours said a young couple lived there.
Stu and Sharon Wild were helping their son renovate his house across the street when they saw the fire.
Mr Wild, a volunteer with the Tokonui fire brigade, ran to the house, knocking on doors and windows to make sure no-one was trapped inside while Mrs Wild called emergency services.
