A family and community is grieving after a fire claimed two lives

It's believed two children perished after the fire took hold of a house in Vivian Street in Burwood just before 10.45 last night.

Several other occupants of the home were taken to Christchurch Hospital in a moderate condition.

This morning neighbours peered out of their windows at the devastating scene

One neighbour said she woke to the sound of screaming and tried to douse the flames with a garden hose.

Only the burnt out roof could be seen from outside the cordon - which was in place as fire investigators carried out their scene examination..

The area commander will give an update at 1.30 this afternoon