Neighbours were convinced that a father and his young son were still inside an Orrs Road, Kaikohe house that was all but destroyed by fire on Sunday night.
The alarm was raised just after 10.30pm. By the time the Kaikohe Fire Brigade arrived the house was burning fiercely, neighbours believing that the occupant and his 6-year-old son were still inside, but police established that they were at the man's mother's home on nearby Bissett Road.
Chief Fire Officer Bill Hutchinson said it took two volunteer crews 20 minutes to bring the fire under control and another three hours to mop up. He expected what remained of the house would have to be demolished.
Fire investigator Craig Bain said he was unable to pinpoint the cause with certainty. It could have been deliberately lit, he said, but it was more likely to have been the result of an electrical fault in the garage, the flames then spreading to the house. Police are also investigating.
The man and his young son lost almost all their belongings. A few toys remained scattered around the property, but everything inside was charred beyond recognition.
