A fire that caused extensive damage to a house in Napier is being treated as suspicious.

The house fire started about 1am on Tuesday along Chaucer Rd South on Hospital Hill in Napier.

One person was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious to come forward.

“An investigation remains ongoing,” a police spokesman said.

“The fire which engulfed the house and part of [a] shed is believed to be suspicious.”

Inquiries were ongoing to identify the person or people involved, he said.

• Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Chaucer Rd South area around midnight on Monday or early Tuesday is asked to call police on 105 and reference file number 250311/5376.