Family make lucky escape from suspicious fire

File photo / NZ Herald

A woman and her young children made a lucky escape from a suspicious house fire early yesterday morning.

Hutt Valley Police are investigating the blaze at an address on Wise St, Wainuiomata about 12.15am.

Detective Caroline Martin said a woman woke to find the porch and wash-house area ablaze and escaped with her two young children through a bedroom window.

"Thankfully no one was hurt. The situation could have been drastically different if the family had not managed to escape through a bedroom window."

The house sustained extensive damage in the fire.

Police said a scene examination has been completed and the cause had yet to be undetermined.

Witnesses are urged to contact Hutt Valley Police on 04 560 2600 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

- nzherald.co.nz