About 20 firefighters were called to house fire in Mataura yesterday afternoon that left the front of a River St home severely damaged.

Mataura fire chief Neil Rogan said they were called to the blaze about 3.51pm.

Two fire engines from Mataura attended the fire, which was well alight on arrival, Mr Rogan said.

Flames were coming through the windows when crews got there, but the fire was put out about 1o minutes later.

Mr Rogan believed the fire started in one of the front bedrooms, though the cause was still being investigated.

He praised the occupants - who were home at the time of the fire - for having a fire alarm installed.

While the front part of the house was badly burnt, the rest of the home had only smoke damage.

No injuries were reported.

Mr Rogan said he had seen an increase in the number of fire alarm installations in Mataura homes in the past 12 months, which was encouraging.

Investigations into the cause of the fire would continue today, he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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