A derelict house in Fordlands has been gutted by a fire, which police believe was deliberately lit.
Investigations are underway into the cause of the Wrigley Rd fire, which happened about 9pm last night.
Bay of Plenty police said the fire, which caused extensive damage to the brick house, appeared to have been deliberately lit.
Fire investigator Stuart Bootten earlier said the fire was being treated as suspicious. He said if it was a case of vandalism then it needlessly put the lives of firefighters in danger, as they had to go into the fire to check nobody was inside.
"We treat it as being occupied until we can prove otherwise."
Mr Bootten said the fire was well involved by the time fire crews arrived.
Anyone with information about the fire should call the Rotorua police station on (07) 348 0099. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.