Updated 5.25pm: The Waimate community is banding together to support the three rescued family members from this morning's fatal fire.

Fire crews found the bodies of Tej and Tika Kafle and their nine-year-old son, Pream, in the flat above their Everest Indian Restaurant in Queen Street.

The couple's three daughters were rescued from the back veranda - 23 year old Tulsa, 16 year old Manisha and 11 year old Mamata.

Mayor Craig Rowley said they're doing all they can to help, and people can now donate to the Nepalese family.

"I have started a support fund through the ANZ bank for anybody wanting to make any donations, assistance for the family...they'll be able to go into the local ANZ bank and it'll be under the Everest Mayoral Support Fund."

Rowley has kick-started the fundraising drive with $500.

He said he is heartened to see our community band together to support the family.

If you would like to donate to the support fund, the account is called Everest Mayoral Support Fund and account number is: ANZ 01-0893-0081636-00.

For further offers of assistance please contact Council on 03 6890000.