Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a Lake Macquarie home in the early hours of Thursday.
Fire crews were called to the blaze at Belmont just after 4am following reports of a house being well alight.
Police said all occupants escaped the home uninjured.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews extinguished the fire and police set up a crime scene.
Police are investigating whether the blaze is a possible case of arson.
The Newcastle Herald understands the fence around the home had been the target of graffiti with a threatening tone.
The Herald has been told nearby residents heard three explosion sounds before the fire broke out.
Investigators are calling for anyone with information about the fire - including dashcam footage or CCTV vision - to contact them.
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