Part of a family home at Holmesville, west of Newcastle, has been gutted by fire early this morning.
A 16-year-old occupant woke just after 5am, to a small fire in his bedroom at the front of the house on Margaret Street, before raising the alarm.
He alerted six other family members before escaping and watching the fire take hold from the street.
A number of rooms have been damaged by fire, with most of the house suffering significant smoke damage.
Two Fire and Rescue crews arrived on scene within minutes of the blaze starting, before extinguishing it.
Forensic officers combed the scene this morning and cordoned off the property. It’s believed there is an asbestos risk.
It’s understood a faulty power board may have sparked the fire.
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