Neighbours describe chaos in fire that killed child, hurt six in Christchurch
· RNZNeighbours have described the chaos in a suburban Christchurch street as they rushed to help a family whose house went up in flames, claiming the life of a child.
Two adults and four other children were taken to hospital following the blaze in Whitehall Street, Mairehau on Thursday night, with one person in a critical condition.
Firefighters spent Friday morning investigating the cause of the fire, although police have said it is not believed to be suspicious.
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, told RNZ she heard screaming and shouting from the house when the fire broke out.
Another said a man from the house banged on his door, asking for help.
He and his wife then gathered three of the children from the berm - a baby and two young children - and kept them at their house until ambulance staff arrived to collect them.
Other neighbours described big flames leaping from the house at the height of the blaze said the quiet street resembled a "war scene" as people hurried to help the family involved.
They said they were shocked and heartbroken by the child's death.
Emergency services were first called at 8.25pm on Thursday with cordons in place on Whitehall Street and Hills Road.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan said a scene guard was put in place at the property overnight.
"Police will be carrying out a scene examination today, including working with Fire and Emergency New Zealand fire investigators," she said.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers visited the scene on Thursday night to support local staff.
"These tragic incidents are not easy for staff and whenever possible I do try to show up to offer my support for them," he said.
Chambers was in the city to thank staff involved in the investigation and High Court trial for the man accused of murdering Nelson Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming.
Strike action called off
The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union cancelled a one-hour strike scheduled for 12pm on Friday out of respect for the whānau.
"Last night a Christchurch family suffered a devastating fire where one child has reportedly perished and left other members of the whānau in serious condition," the union said in a social media post.
"The NZPFU national committee has decided to call off the nationwide one-hour strike (which was scheduled from 12 noon today) in recognition of the impact of the fire on the whānau, their wider support network and in recognition the loss and devastation will be widely felt by Christchurch and ripple through the country.
"We acknowledge the efforts of all those that responded including the 111 emergency dispatchers and the firefighting crews with work continuing today with fire investigation members and the impact this incident will have had on them all. We stand in solidarity with you and calling off the strike is just one way we can demonstrate that support."
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