KEY POINTS:
A man found dead near a fire in the Bay of Plenty early today is believed to have died of natural causes.
Emergency services were called to the fire in a hedge outside a property in Ngongotaha, near Rotorua, at 3.30am today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper, of Rotorua CIB, said the fire was believed to be accidental and may have been caused by "smouldering embers disposed near the house".
The 61-year-old man's body was found near the fire and he was unable to be revived. He was pronounced dead when the ambulance arrived.
"This man did not appear to have suffered injuries as a result of the fire and early indications are that he may have died from natural causes."
Police investigations were continuing and a post mortem may be carried out today.
- NZPA
