Elizabeth 'Lizzy' Marvin, 16, died and three others were injured in the fire, which broke out just after 2am at a block of flats on Toanui St in Burnham Military Camp, south of Christchurch.
The fire that ripped through the apartment block was so intense that firefighters said they could not enter the building.
About 40 firefighters from Rolleston, Dunsandel, Kirwee, Lincoln, Wigram, Ilam and Christchurch City stations took two hours to bring the fire under control.
Fire and Emergency NZ incident commander Dave Berry said they could only tackle the fire from the outside.
“When we tried to get in, the structure was very unstable – that's when we used the aerial devices.”
Berry said Christchurch's only double-ladder aerial appliance was used to remove the iron roof to gain better access to the fire.
Two of the six units in the block were also badly damaged, he said.
Specialist fire investigators are investigating the cause, but Berry said the investigation was likely to take several days.
Burnham Camp commander Major Julie Richardson would not comment at this stage on whether any of the residents were New Zealand Defense Force personnel.
Authorities do not believe the fire was suspicious.
Flowers and handwritten notes, many of which included tributes to Elizabeth, were placed outside the home on Friday.
The Year 12 student is described on social media as an animal lover and a 'young and feisty' softball player.
Rolleston Softball Club posted a heartfelt message on Friday.
“It is with great sadness and sorrow to inform you of the passing of one of our young and energetic players. Elizabeth 'Lizzy' Marvin, 16, died after a fire destroyed the property on Toanui St, just outside the Army Barracks south of Christchurch , destroyed , in the early morning hours earlier this week,” the message said.
“She was the daughter of Anne Marie and sister of Michael, and a good friend of the Rolleston Softball Club.
“Our hearts go out to the family at this time, which is so tragic for everyone who knew her. Over the years Lizzie has played for many of our younger girls teams and had recently returned to play in the Breakers mixed division last season. , together with her brother Michael.”
a Give a small pagefounded to help the family, had raised more than $5,200 as of Friday afternoon.
The page stated, “On Wednesday, May 8, we lost part of our community family.
“A special family has suffered a tragic loss and in the spirit of community we are asking anyone who can donate to help them. No matter how small the donation, it all counts to make a difference in their lives.
“My mother has always supported her family in any way she can and has been involved in many sporting and school events. She can be counted on to fight for her community and now it's our turn to support her.
“Many of her family, colleagues, neighbours, friends and the wider community have all been affected by this loss, so we ask you all to take care of yourselves as there is a long way to go in the grieving and healing process.
“Burnham Challenge has set up this page together with Give A Little so that others can make a difference.
“More information will be added as other family members are contacted, so for now, those of you in the know understand their need for privacy at this time.”