Residents make lucky escape from suspicious fire

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The residents of a rural house engulfed by a suspicious fire last night are incredibly lucky to have escaped, police say.

The fire was one of two suspected arsons at the rural property near Taumarunui yesterday.

Senior Sergeant Grant Alabaster said the first fire was believed to have been lit under the house on Whakapapa Rd in Kakahi about 10.50pm.

Four people fled the burning house safely, he said.

About 90 minutes later, a shed on the same property was set alight. Both the house and shed were destroyed.

"The four occupants have been incredibly lucky to escape before the fire took hold and engulfed the house. This incident could have easily resulted in disaster had it not been for the quick thinking of those inside," Mr Alabaster said.

Police and the Fire Service are investigating the fires.

Mr Alabaster appealed for help from the public in identifying the people behind them.

"Someone will know something about these fires and we ask them to come forward and help us locate whoever is responsible for them."