Police are treating a fire that damaged a damaged a vacant house early this morning as suspicious.

Detective Kerry Russell says emergency services were called to the Morrell Street property just before 3.30am after being notified by a passer-by.

The house was well ablaze when Fire and Emergency NZ staff arrived and it was significantly damaged as a result.

A scene examination has begun and police are appealing to the community for any information relating to the incident.

"Police would like to hear from anyone who saw any people or vehicles in the street in the hours leading up to the fire, or anything out of the ordinary in Morrell Street in the past few days," he says.

Anyone with information can contact Police via 105 and quote file number 220707/7037.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers via 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.