One person is dead following a unit fire in Newcastle early this morning which woke neighbours with a "terrific bang".
Just after 5am emergency services were called to Fullerton Street at Stockton where several units were alight.
Fire crews searched the building and found a body, which is yet to be formally identified.
Police have set up a crime scene and will investigate the cause of the fire.
Neighbour woken by noise
Neighbour Ann Fisher, who lives on nearby Cardigan Street, said she heard "a terrific bang" about 5:30am.
"I got up and looked out my bedroom window and I could see smoke coming up and I thought it was one of our units on the end or it's the house next door," Ms Fisher said.
Residents urged to be careful
Fire and Rescue NSW Duty Commander for Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Dirk Spek said three units were severely damaged by the fire.
"When the crews arrived the fire was well advanced and in unit one it was spreading quickly to the second and third units through the ceiling void," he said.
"It would have been a bit of time before they got in, but they commenced fighting the fire very quickly and did well to stop the fire from spreading any further."
Although the cause of the fire is yet to be determined Inspector Spek is urging residents to be extra careful with heaters over winter and ensure smoke detectors are working.
"They need to be more vigilant during winter, when they're cooking, watching what they're doing with children," he said.
"Also, working smoke detectors are a great way to save people's lives during these winter months."
