Around 10.30pm emergency services responded to reports of a home on fire on O'Reilly Street, Warilla.

Fire and Rescue NSW fire fighters extinguished the blaze a short time later.

There was no one home at the time.

Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District attended, and their initial inquiries indicated the fire was deliberately lit.

Police established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic officers.

An investigation is underway, and police are appealing for information from the community that may assist with their inquiries.

Officers are particularly hoping to speak with anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity during evening, particularly in the lead-up to the fire starting.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

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