A house in the North Canterbury settlement of Pines Beach has been gutted by fire.

Fire and Emergency crews were called to the scene just before 3AM Saturday.

Fire and Emergency Senior Advisor Wayne Hamilton said it was already completely ablaze when crews arrived and they worked hard to protect the neighbouring properties.

“The house was completely destroyed, and there was minor damage to a neighbouring property.

Incidents like this are a reminder of how fast fires are, and the occupant was lucky to escape.

We encourage everyone to have an escape plan and to practice it.”

Hamilton said he was also recommending the public to get photoelectric smoke alarms in all sleeping and living areas to provide early detection of fire.

Staff were back at the site today, providing fire safety advice to other households in the area.

Hamilton said the fire is not being treated as suspicious.