Person escapes from fire thanks to neighbour's TV habit

The occupant of a Rotorua house had a lucky escape from a suspicious fire early this morning thanks to a neighbour being up watching television.

The fire service were alerted at about 3.45am of a fire in Dickens Street, Owhata.

The alert came from a neighbour who became aware of the fire while he was watching television, Detective Nina Pedersen of Rotorua police said.

"The neighbour quickly rushed into the burning house and woke the sleeping occupant who was unaware of the fire," Ms Pedersen said.

The front of the house was extensively damaged.

The fire was being treated as suspicious and anyone with information or who saw any suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact Rotorua police on (07) 349 9553 or 0800 TIPOFF.

- NZPA