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Police say a house fire near Rotorua which left a woman in critical condition is being treated as suspicious.
The Ngongotaha Fire Service was called to the fire in Taui Street about 11pm.
A 42-year-old woman was taken to Rotorua Hospital with severe burns, and was airlifted by Westpac Rescue Helicopter to Waikato Hospital early today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper said her condition remained "extremely critical".
Members of ESR, fire safety officer and police were conducting a scene examination today, he said.
"Police have spent the morning speaking with neighbours and local residents and a search of the surrounding environment, including the nearby stream was also conducted," he said.
"Police will not speculate or comment about how the fire was started, but are treating it as suspicious."
A 44-year-old man who escaped the fire with minor injuries was charged with assault.
He appeared in Rotorua District Court this morning and was remanded in custody until May 6.
- NZPA
