Southland police are appealing to the public for information about a fire they are treating as arson in Mataura.
The blaze began at a house in the Argyle St/Kana St area about 1am on Friday.
Det Leigh Waddell, of Gore, said the occupants’ dog alerted them in the fire’s early stages.
As a result, the blaze was put out before any serious harm or damage occurred.
However, Det Waddell said the incident could have been significantly worse, and police would like to speak to anyone who may have seen anything in the area.
• Contact Gore Police on (03) 203-9300, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
