Police from Alice Springs were called to the community of Amoonguna on Saturday in response to a domestic dispute that was threatening to boil over.

On arrival members noticed smoke coming from one of the houses and responded quickly to ensure there was nobody inside.

Senior Sergeant Dave Richardson said the officers displayed great personal courage to ensure there was no loss of life in the incident.

“After determining there was no one in side the house the officers did what they could to limit the spread of the fire until the Fire and Rescue units arrived.”

Fire units from Alice Springs quickly extinguished the blaze but the house had been extensively gutted.

A vehicle parked near the house was also damaged in the fire.

Initial investigations by the NTFRS have determined the fire was deliberately lit at the rear of the house and engulfed the interior quickly before spreading to the carport area.

Police are calling for witnesses to the earlier domestic dispute to come forward and believe the two incidents are linked.

The Amoonguna Community is about 20 kilometres south east of Alice Springs off the Ross Highway.

Anyone with information can call Police on 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.