The fire erupted in a two-storey residence on Terrigal Street around 9:40 pm on Wednesday, May 21.

A 37-year-old woman and two girls, who were seven and eight years old at the time, were discovered unconscious inside the house.

They were transported to the hospital in critical condition.

A fourth occupant, a 36-year-old man, was not home at the time of the fire.

It was believed a gas cylinder may have exploded to start the fire.

Yesterday, a 37-year-old woman was arrested and has been charged with two counts of attempted murder.

She was remanded in custody and will appear in court today.