A North Canterbury family are coming to terms with losing everything after a house fire destroyed all of their personal belongings.

In the early hours of this morning, emergency services were called to a house fire in Tuahiwi, north of Kaiapoi.

A fire and emergency spokesperson said they received a call at 1.55am to the house fire, and responded with two fire engines, from both the Kaiapoi and Woodend stations. 

“The fire was fully involved when we arrived, and everyone inside the house was accounted for. Fire crews remained at the scene for several hours, dampening down hotspots”, a spokesperson said.

Sam Van Der Klei says her father, brother and pet dog are lucky to be alive, managing to escape the burning inferno with only minor injuries.

Speaking with Chris Lynch Media, Sam explained the terrifying experience her family went through.

“Early this morning, the house that my Dad and brother rent was engulfed in flames. Luckily they both got out when they did, along with their family dog just before the house caved in.”

Sam said they both suffered smoke inhalation, and were covered in black from the smoke.

“Nothing is retrievable from the house, everything has been gutted. The fire was just roaring, it was a horrific experience for them.”

“They have lost absolutely everything but the clothes they were wearing.

“My Dad is very emotional, it’s too hard to think about what to do next or seek help, he’s overwhelmed but thankful for the help he has received.”

A Givealittle page has been set up to help the family, with funds going towards clothing and basic necessities to help the family get back on their feet. 

Sam said the house itself is insured, bringing some relief to their landlords, however, the situation is terrible for her dad and brother.

“They were renting the property, which the landlord had insurance for, but they were without content insurance.”

Sam said her father went to the Laundromat at about 10pm that night to dry his clothes, which he then put in the laundry basket once back home and going to bed.

Sam said on the way out from escaping the family, her Dad saw the laundry basket engulfed in flames. 

“One of the fire responders told us they believed the hot laundry in the basket had sparked, which then caught onto the basket which ignited. They said they’d never seen anything like this before.”

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson confirmed the fire wasn’t being treated as suspicious, with investigators yet to officially determine how the fire started.

Hot clothing removed from tumble dryers have caused fires before, but are extremely rare.  

According to one fire expert, because of the retained heat in the clothing, the temperature can continue to rise which causes chemical reactions to proceed faster, which results in fire or a smouldering condition, which can burst into open flame.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids present in vegetable oil can become very reactive if they are left on items and put in the dryer.