The Fire Service says it will pick up the bill for the part it played in the demolition of Christchurch's House of Horrors.

Christina and Jason Drain own the Wainoni-Hampshire St property that adjoined the house which was the scene of a double murder. That house was the target of four arsons and has been demolished along with the Drains' investment property.

The Drains have been ordered to pay the council's demolition costs and they understood they would also have to pay for the Fire Service's involvement.

However, national commander Mike Hall says the Fire Service will not be seeking any recovery of its costs. He says if the person responsible for the arson is brought before the courts, there may be an opportunity for various parties, including the Fire Service to seek reparation.

The news will come as a relief for the Drains, who say they have no option but to go to their lawyer today over charges the council intends to put onto the land to recover the cost of clearing the rubble, Mrs Drain says that of course costs money as well. Added to the couple's woes is the fact they still owe $130,000 on a house that no longer exists.