Police say a Muswellbrook house fire in which nine puppies were rescued is being treated as suspicious.
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Investigators said the blaze did roughly $300,000 in damage after it broke out about 8pm on Monday night at the Buddens Lane property.
Police said four people self-evacuated and nine puppies were able to escape the flames and smoke.
Anyone with information is urged to call Muswellbrook police on 6542 6999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
EARLIER
IT WAS a rescue of a different kind at a house fire in Muswellbrook overnight.
Crews were called to a home on Buddens Lane just after 8pm and arrived on scene to find the home fully engulfed in flames.
"There was large amounts of heavy smoke and flames issuing on arrival," a statement from Fire and Rescue Muswellbrook said.
"We got to work to attempt to extinguish, when we were informed of puppies inside the house."
Rescue units immediately headed to the home's laundry where the puppies had been sleeping, while units from Muswellbrook, Aberdeen and Denman worked to douse the flames.
Five of the puppies were found in the laundry and one was located outside the back door. All were in good health.
"Crews then retreated to fight the fire from the outside, due to danger of and subsequent roof collapse."
The home's occupants had already safely evacuated the property. One woman was treated by paramedics at the scene for chest tightness, but did not require transport to hospital.
The fire was under control by 9pm and crews left the scene just after 10pm Monday.
