Police investigating a fire that destroyed a house in Raymond Terrace in the early hours of Monday morning have ruled out an electrical fault to be the cause.
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Port Stephens police Inspector Alan Janson said the house, owned by the Department of Housing, was vacant at the time of the fire and that the blaze is being treated as suspicious.
"The cause of the fire is unknown. We've ruled out an electrical fault because the power was turned off to the house," he said.
"Because of the structural damage to the house we've been unable to get inside for a forensic examination."
Fire services and police were called to Muree Street about 1am on January 27 on reports of a single level timber house being well alight.
Nearby houses were evacuated. Four NSW Fire and Rescue trucks responded.
The fire was completely extinguished by 4am.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police Station on (02) 4983 7599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
