A Canterbury firefighter who lost their home in a fire has been overwhelmed with the heartfelt response from the community.
According to Lloyd Clausen, chief fire officer of the Leeston volunteer fire brigade, the firefighter was hosting three generations of family at the time, including four young children ranging in age from six to two.
The house was wide open while the family were outside playing with their kids on Friday afternoon.
When the family heard the beeping of a smoke alarm, they rushed back to the house.
They then called the local fire brigade.
Leeston's local fire stations responded with fire trucks from Rolleston and Lincoln also called in.
"The house was totally gone, even before people anyone could get there," said Clausen.
"At the moment [they] have a temporary accommodation for the night, then we have a house available in Leeston for them to move in to."
The Leeston community has reacted generously since the volunteer fire brigade posted the sad news on its Facebook page.
Clausen said people have offered to donate toys, clothes, furniture, fridges, tables and chairs.
One woman posted a picture of a wooden table and chairs she was happy to donate.
Others have offered to donate spare bedding and mattresses.
Clausen told Newshub he would like to thank everybody that has offered donations.
"It just shows you that the community will rally around."
