There's a proud glow amongst Nelson police this morning, after two officers dragged a man free from his burning home.

Senior Sergeant John Price says the house in Atawhai Drive was in flames when the pair arrived at around 5.30am

They forced their way in and pulled the man from his bedroom...one then went back inside thinking someone else might be trapped.

John Price said it's unusual for police to get to a blaze before firefighters, and he's proud of the way the men responded.

"I just think they've done a fantastic job and probably saved someone's life which is part of what we do as the service to our community."

One of the officers has been treated at Nelson Hospital for smoke inhalation.

There'll be an investigation later today into the exact cause of the fire, which started in the kitchen.