Detective Sergeant Mark James, of the Hamilton police crime investigation unit, said it was believed the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette butt.

It's understood a resident was smoking on the home's verandah and threw away his smoke butt, which ignited cardboard boxes at the front of the house.

"It's believed the fire was started accidentally, the cardboard boxes caught fire and the damage is estimated at between $5000 and $10,000."

The investigator warned residents to take care during summer, especially on hot days.

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