Fire destroys house

A house and garage at a rural Canterbury property have been destroyed by fire. The fire on Washpen Road, Windwhistle, south west of Darfield, started in the garage at about 5pm yesterday, New Zealand Fire Service southern communications centre shift manager Andrew Norris said. When fire crews arrived the fire had spread to the house, which could not be saved, Norris said. ‘‘It’s been a total loss.’’ Occupants of the property were home at the time, but no-one was injured. Six fire engines from Coalgate, Hororata, Methven and Darfield attended the fire. Norris said a fire investigator had been at the site to determine the cause of the blaze.