Police and the Fire Service have confirmed a young child playing with a lighter accidentally started a fatal fire in west Auckland last night.

Tesimale Kisona from Tuvalu died trying to rescue children from the blaze in a block of flats on Swanson Road in Ranui.

He was 65.

Police and the Fire Service have now finished a scene examination.

A number of people who were in the units at the time the fire broke out have also been interviewed.

Detective Sergeant Mike Clubb said they have systems in place to ensure that both the child and his family have any support they need in the coming weeks and months.

Gary Beer, Senior Fire Risk Management Officer for Waitemata area said the incident was a terrible reminder of just how important it is to keep matches and lighters away from young kids."

"Every time we discover that a fire has started this way, our hearts just sink."