A Christchurch family was celebrating a birthday during an overnight getaway when they received a call to say their house was destroyed by fire.

Fire and Emergency services were called to the blaze on Avonside Drive at 3AM this morning.

The brother of the owner of the house said the family only have the clothes they took away on the trip.

Reinga Pohatu started a Givealittle page for his sister.

“My sister Mahalia has been a solid member of the community through her hairstyling business (Mahdusa), helping and contributing to the local braiding culture of Christchurch for over 5 years from her home business in Avonside.”

“While away on a birthday getaway my sister and her partner as well as their 2 children (Te Kaharoa 9yrs, Katana 7yrs) were called early this morning with the worst news – their home and all their possessions were all lost in a house fire.”

“All they have currently are the clothes they took with them for their overnight getaway.”

Fire and Emergency investigators were still at the scene this afternoon.