Child playing with matches causes Blenheim fire

A rental property has been on fire this afternoon in Blenheim after, it is believed, a child of one of the occupants was playing with matches.

A large crowd watched, Fairfax Media reported, as the house burnt, and as fire crews arrived in order to help battle the blaze, and determine the cause. The house's occupants, three adults and two children, are reportedly unharmed.

Blenheim St John Ambulance, volunteer and paid fire fighters and a number of other personnel helped in cooling the situation.