KEY POINTS:
Fire razed a building at the Westport Returned Services Association Bowling Club early this morning.
The fire was spotted by a patrolling policeman, who initially saw the blaze as a strange glow in the sky.
Senior Sergeant Geoff Scott said a person was still sleeping in a scorched house next to the fiercely burning building.
"It was fortunate the constable noticed the fire when he did, otherwise a tragedy could have easily occurred," he said.
Fire safety and CIB are investigating.
- NZPA
