The Fire Service is treating a blaze at an abandoned building in Ashburton as potentially suspicious.
Fire crews were called about 3.15am on Sunday to the blaze at a former butcher's shop on the corner of Victoria and Cass streets.
The building was well alight when the five engines, from Ashburton, Rakaia and Methven, arrived at the scene.
Fire Service spokesperson Riwai Grace says it took three-and-a-half hours to put out the fire. Neighbouring properties in the Canterbury town were not affected.
Fire safety staff from Timaru will be investigating.
