A pregnant woman and her partner were taken to Christchurch Hospital after a house fire in the central city.
A passer-by alerted the fire service when they saw smoke pouring from a Gloucester St home about 8.45am on Wednesday, said Fire and Emergency NZ investigator Jason Hobbs.
A man was in the shower when he heard the smoke alarm and escaped the house through the back door, said Mr Hobbs.
His partner, who is pregnant, was not at home but arrived back to see her home in flames with fire crews battling to put it out.
A witness to the fire said the woman was "absolutely heartbroken"
The woman was taken to Christchurch Hospital for observation while the man was treated for minor smoke inhalation.
Mr Hobbs said the fire appeared to have started from a candle on the dresser.
