Two children have escaped a house fire in South Auckland today.

The youngsters, aged 5 and 9, managed to alert authorities before escaping the blaze at the property on Serrano Place, Clover Park, in Manukau. The children were not injured.

Fire Service staff were called to the scene shortly before 10am. Bedrooms at the back of the house were left blackened and the windows smashed.

Neighbouring properties were not affected.

It is not known why the children were home alone, however, a 68-year-old man is due to appear in the Manukau District Court in relation to the incident.