Holiday home fire deliberately lit

File photo / NZ Herald

A fire at a Mangakino holiday home appears to have been deliberately started, Tokoroa police say.

Emergency services were called to a Kauri Street address about 3.30am yesterday.

Detective Rick Rudolph said a neighbour discovered the fire after smelling smoke, hearing noises and deciding to investigate.

"After initial investigation by Fire Service and Police, it appears a fire was lit in a bedroom at the address. The house is a holiday bach and it was vacant at the time."

Detective Rudolph said the bedroom where the fire was lit suffered extensive damage, while there is moderate damage to the rest of the house.

He said it does not appear any items were taken from the property.

"We are appealing to members of the public for any information about this fire - or previous suspicious fires in the town over the past 18 months. If you know anything, please contact police, or you can provide information anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111."

- Herald Online staff