A woman enjoying a bath was forced to jump for her life from a second-storey window to escape a Whangamata house fire last night

The home was engulfed in flames moments later.

The heavily set woman, who uses a mobility scooter, was in the bathroom when the fire took hold about 9pm.

Neighbours rushed to find her leaning out the window, unclothed - and a number of men caught her below.

A local says the woman was incredibly lucky.

A 66-year old man's due in Hamilton District Court today, charged with arson.