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Neighbours say a suspicious fire that destroyed a house and damaged the house next door in Napier on Sunday is the third to affect the same property within the past year.

The house, located on Scully Cres in Onekawa, had been unoccupied and under renovation when flames tore through it about 7.30pm.

“Police are speaking with witnesses, but no arrests have been made,” a police spokeswoman said.

“A scene examination will be carried out today, and enquiries are continuing.”

Police patrolling in nearby Maraenui spotted the fire and were first on scene, evacuating neighbouring properties.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, told Hawke’s Bay Today she woke to the glow of the blaze on Sunday night.

She and her son grabbed the dogs and were just about to self-evacuate when the police came in and said to get out.

“It was like an inferno,” she said.

“I have never been around a big fire like that before ... it is scary.”

The charred remains of a house in Scully Crescent, Onekawa, after Sunday night’s fire. Photo / Gary Hamilton-Irvine

She said the same house caught fire in October 2024, with people living in it at the time, and was then involved in another fire just a couple of weeks later.

As well as the house that burnt down, her own home had been damaged, including burst glass, charred cladding, a melted downpipe, and a damaged car and fence.

Fire investigators and police returned to the property on Monday to examine the scene of the suspicious blaze. Photo / Gary Hamilton-Irvine

Fire and Emergency NZ confirmed the house was “well involved” when crews arrived.

The fire was 10m by 15m.

Two fire engines responded, and the blaze was under control by 9.30pm. No injuries were reported.

“Everyone connected to the house was accounted for,” a Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said.

Fire crews returned to the scene on Monday morning after smoke was spotted coming from the structure again.

The property is owned by Kainga Ora, according to property records.

Kāinga Ora declined to comment to “protect the privacy” of tenants.