Police are investigating what appears to be a suspicious fire that has burnt down a house in Ōpōtiki on Friday night.

Police received a report a fire at a residential address on St John Street, Ōpōtiki about 11.30pm.

Fire Emergency NZ Northern Shift Manager Josh Pennefather says the single storey residential dwelling on St John Street was totally involved in fire when fire fighters arrived at the scene.

"it was 20 metres by 30 metres. We sent four fire trucks from Opotiki, Ohope and Whakatane."

He says a fire investigator also attended.

"No persons were injured during the incident," says police.

Police say a scene guard was put in place and an investigation is ongoing.

"At this stage, the fire appears to be suspicious.

"Police are investigating whether this is linked to recent incidents in Ōpōtiki."

Steven Taiatini, 45, died following an incident on Saint John Street in Ōpōtiki on June 9.

Fire ripped through a beach cabin on Monday June 12, and a house on Sunday June 11 in Ōpōtiki amid increased gang tensions in the wake of the homicide.

An Ōpōtiki local says that the Friday night St John Street house fire is at the same house that has previously been on fire.

At the scene?

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