A building at Catlins Area Motel in Owaka was "well involved" with fire when crews arrived about 11am, a fire service southern communications spokesman said.
A fire safety investigator had been called to the hotel on Ryley and Clark Sts to determine the cause, he said.
Crews from Owaka Fire Station and Kaka Point Volunteer Fire Brigade attended the blaze.
If you have any photos of the fire please mail to odtpix@odt.co.nz, or any information please call Shawn McAvinue on (03) 479 3514.
