Hostel burns down in flood-stricken Westport

A backpacker hostel has burned down in flood-stricken Westport.

Those inside the Bazil's Hostel and Surf School on Russell St managed to evacuate safely, as seven fire crews arrived on the scene about 2:30am on Tuesday.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand says the building is still alight but under control.

The blaze is not thought to be suspicious.