Hamilton fire likely lit deliberately

File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A Hamilton fire, which left a 79-year-old man in hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, was probably deliberately lit, police say.

Police investigating the smouldering remains of the blaze at the Hillcrest property, which emergency services were alerted to about 5.30am today, found it was likely an act of arson and an accelerant was probably used, said Detective Sergeant Neville Ross, of Hamilton CIB.

When firefighters arrived they found the house well ablaze but were able to evacuate the man from the house, Mr Ross said.

"Things could have been a lot worse but they located the elderly male occupant of the house lying at the foot of a bed in a bedroom of the house and managed to evacuate him safely to waiting ambulance officers," he said.

The man suffered burns and smoke inhalation and was recovering in Waikato Hospital.

"The 79-year-old is recovering in hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and burns to, what we understand, is 15 per cent of his body," Mr Ross said.

A five-hour scene examination at the Mansel Ave home indicated an accelerant similar to petrol was used to light the fire which was started in eight places, Mr Ross said.

Police also discovered the smouldering remains of a fuel container, he said.

Fire safety officer Dave Jenkins said the house was substantially damaged.

The police investigation is continuing.

- NZPA