An electrical fault sparked a blaze which gutted a rented rural home near Clydevale, an investigation has found.
Flames had engulfed the roof by the time volunteer firefighters from Balclutha, Clutha Valley and Tapanui arrived at the house shortly after 2pm on Monday.
Emergency services were called after the occupant smelled smoke.
Fire investigator Paul Glanville, of Invercargill, examined the Chapman Rd house yesterday.
He said the fire appeared to be caused by an electrical fault in the ceiling.
Mr Glanville said 90% of the house was damaged, and the occupants lost all their possessions.
Firefighters spent about four hours extinguishing the blaze and dampening hot spots in the house.
