Neighbours reported hearing a loud bang and someone running before the roof of the home erupted in flames. Video / Supplied, Cameron Pitney
Police believe a house fire overnight in the West Auckland suburb of Rānui was caused by a flare.
Multiple Vino Cina Heights residents were forced to evacuate after midnight on Tuesday when the roof of a house caught fire.
A scene examination with a fire investigator was completed todayat the address.
Acting Detective Inspector Megan Goldie said investigators believe the fire was caused by a flare, “which is commonly used by boaties and one that launches a projectile”.
Goldie said police need to hear from anyone who has information.
“I would also call on those people who are involved to do the right thing and own up to what has happened.
“Anyone with further information to assist us should contact 105 using the reference number 260211/6037.”
Nina Ung, whose house is in front of the fire-damaged property, told the Herald that residents from across the street warned those in neighbouring houses.
Just before midnight, one of her neighbours banged on her door, which grabbed her daughter’s attention.
“My daughter [said], ‘Mum, we need to get out of the house, there’s a fire’.
“It was right by my son’s bedroom window. Had it been any later, I don’t know if anyone would have looked outside the windows, so we may have all been asleep, so it could have spread really fast.”
