People who live in a 'lovely' part of Mansfield were awoken to a house on their street well alight as an arson investigation was launched.
A man was forced to evacuate his home following the house fire in Parkland Close.
Emergency services were called to the property at around 11.10pm on Thursday, January 11.
The fire is believed to have started in the back room of the house, before a man inside was forced to leave as it spread through the house.
The emergency services are treating the incident as a suspected arson attack.
People in the street described being woken up to the dramatic glow of the house on fire.
And they say the incident has left them concerned.
Margaret Tasker, 88, said: "I was disturbed and woke up at around 11.15 because of the light shining into my room.
"I don't even know how many police cars and fire engines there were.
"It started off just a bit of smoke and then turned into quite a fire.
"It's concerning for us.
"It's a lovely road.
"There was one fire about three years ago but nothing like this - this is not nice."
Ben Connolly, 72, said: "I saw it and heard it but I don't know too much about it.
"I don't think the person is living there now - it was a big fire.
"You just hope that everyone's OK, don't you."
No-one is believed to have been injured during the incident.
Detectives are urging anyone with any information or any CCTV footage to come forward.
A woman, who asked not to be named, said: "We saw and heard it.
"I went to check on my kids and this loud noise went off.
"I didn't think too much of it at first as there's always a bit of noise round there.
"But all of a sudden the room room lit up orange.
"It's not a nice sight.
"My husband has been quite calm since it happened but it's a concern for me.
"It's quite petrifying, I don't think I've slept much since, it's scary.
"It is a lovely neighbourhood - a very nice area.
"But waking up to a roaring fire is not nice."
Speaking previously, Detective Sergeant Andy Hall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are continuing to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of this incident and are working closely with colleagues in Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to establish exactly how the fire began.
“On our arrival, one occupant had safely evacuated the property and thankfully no-one was injured as a result of the incident.
“Residents in the area may see an increased police presence over the coming days providing reassurance and advice following this incident.
“We would like to urge anyone who may have witnessed the fire or has any information, no matter how small, to get in touch with us as it may help our enquiries.”
Anyone who has any information or CCTV footage is urged to call 101, quoting incident 762 of January 13.
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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