A Gisborne house fire that sent smoke billowing across the city this morning is being treated as "intentionally lit" by police.
Emergency services were called to the house fire on George St in Mangapapa at around 9am. The home was "severely damaged" by the blaze.
Three trucks and around a dozen firefighters attended the scene, extinguishing the fire after 40 minutes.
"There were concerns for people inside, but they all got out safely," a FENZ spokesperson said.
Police said early indications suggested the fire was intentionally lit and that investigations were ongoing. A specialist FENZ fire investigator would be in attendance.
"One person is assisting with our inquiries," a police spokesperson said.
"Police are undertaking traffic control at the scene while Fire and Emergency staff work at the scene. Motorists should avoid the area."
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