Officers investigate cause of suspicious fire

Severe winds made the firefighters job difficult. Photo / File

South Waikato police and fire safety officers are investigating the cause of a blaze at a vacant Tokoroa house early today.

Tokoroa fire chief Dave Morris says their resources were already stretched after a serious crash just south of Putaruru at about 3.40am tied up crews from Putaruru before the call for the Baird St house fire was made just before 4am.

High winds also made putting out the fire a bit more difficult, however, after initial concerns about people being trapped inside, they were relieved to be told by neighbours that the house had been empty for some time.

"It took our two fire crews from Tokoroa about half an hour to bring it under control. We had severe winds. Man, it was windy ... it just helped push all the flames through."

The house was well-involved when firefighters arrived, he said. It was severely damaged by the flames and will need to be pulled down.

The fire was being treated as suspicious and police and fire safety were investigating the cause, he said.

Meanwhile, the sole occupant of the car crash on State Highway 1, at Lichfield, was transported to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.

Waikato police serious crash unit is investigating the cause of the crash where the car ploughed into a power pole, trapping the occupant inside.