KEY POINTS:
A couple in their 50s were lucky to escape with their lives after fire ripped through their home early today, the Fire Service says.
The blaze destroyed the top floor of their Kaiteriteri house, 14km north of Motueka, this morning.
Karl Patterson of southern fire communications told NZPA the three-storey house was well involved by the time crews arrived at 3.15am.
Chief fire officer Mike Riddell said the couple woke to hear containers combusting from the heat of the fire.
They were lucky to escape unhurt.
"They did everything right and got out of there straight away," he said.
The fire had now been completely extinguished and fire investigators were at the scene.
There was no damage done to neighbouring properties.
Mr Riddell said there was no indication at this stage the fire was suspicious.
- NZPA
