A Northland family woken by a smoke alarm were able to escape from their house after a suspicious fire was lit in the basement by someone who may have slipped in through an open door.
Police and fire inspectors called to investigate the blaze said it was fortunate a smoke alarm upstairs had given the family enough warning or else the fire could have been fatal and damage much worse.
Firefighters were called to the two-storey home in Smeaton Dr, Whangarei, about 9.30pm on Tuesday.
Whangarei police Detective Sergeant John Clayton said the smoke alarm was activated, waking one of the family members who thought it was unusual but reset it. A short time later it sounded again and this time smoke was smelt and the fire discovered downstairs.
Mr Clayton said one person tried to douse the flames with buckets of water but was unsuccessful and the five occupants fled and raised the alarm.