Investigation into fatal house fire

Fire safety officers and police are investigating a house fire which left a man dead and another in hospital in Auckland overnight.

The Otahuhu crime squad was investigating the blaze along with two fire safety officers, Fire Service northern communications spokesman Tony McDonald told NZPA.

"It is now being treated as a crime scene so they may be there for several hours trying to find out the cause of the fire," Mr McDonald said.

Four fire appliances were called to the fire at a house in Albert St, Otahuhu, about 11.15pm and firefighters found a two-level house well alight.

One man was found dead at the scene and another man was taken to hospital, where he is being treated for serious burns. He is also helping police with their inquiries.

- NZPA