Failing to stub out a cigarette has proved costly, after a blaze destroyed a double garage and scorched neighbouring trees on Monday night in Featherston.
Featherston Fire Brigade and police closed SH2 near rural suppliers RD1, detouring traffic as they tackled the inferno on a rear section opposite the Waite St intersection.
Deputy chief fire officer Kevin Lett said no one was injured in the blaze, which was well advanced and setting fire to an adjacent woodshed and trees.
"For very little in there [the garage], it was a very big fire, it was quite impressive."
He said someone had been smoking in the garage, and the fire had likely been started from a discarded cigarette.
