There are fears people may have been trapped in a large blaze at a two-storey wooden derelict house in central Christchurch.
Seven fire appliances and 26 firefighters were sent to the Salisbury St property, where the fire raged for almost two hours
The collapse of the read end of the house prevented firefighters entering.
Firefighters at the scene told 3 News the house could have been occupied by squatters.
It's not yet known what caused the fire.
3 News