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The loss of Ashburton's historic Canterbury Flour Mill to fire this morning was a major blow to the regions's heritage, says the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT).
The building, built in 1872, was gutted by the fire which started just before 7am, Fire Service spokesman Kevin Donaldson said.
More than 60 firefighters battled to contain the blaze which caused a roof to collapse and left structural damage to the building walls.
It was believed the fire started in the oldest part of the building, but the cause was still being investigated.
This afternoon a wall facing onto West Street was threatening to fall down and Ashburton District Council was considering whether to let it collapse, or rip it down.
NZHPT southern region general manager Malcolm Duff said the flour mill was one of Ashburton's major landmarks and would be sorely missed by the community.
"This is a terrible loss of Ashburton's, and Mid Canterbury's, heritage. The buildings have been a landmark in the town since the 1870s and were still being used by several businesses to this day," Mr Duff said.
While special permission was usually required to demolish historical buildings in cases where there was a threat to public safety immediate demolition was allowed, he said.
"The reports we received early on suggested the fire was extensive and that the buildings may even collapse under their own weight at some stage".
Restoring and retaining as much knowledge of the historic buildings was now the NZHPT's priority, he said.
- NZPA
