There were no injuries resulting from a fire just outside the entrance at the south end of the Northgate Shopping Centre, near the parking garage, early Friday.
First responders were called to the scene of the structure fire at 3:40 a.m. North Bay firefighters extinguished the blaze found inside an alcove just steps from the entrance and along the structure. Crews remained on the scene for a couple of hours to clear smoke from the area. The smell of smoke lingers near the parking garage and damage from the fire is visible.
Fire prevention officers from NBFES and North Bay Police Service officers are investigating the suspicious fire. The Ontario Fire Marshal's Office has been notified.
Northgate Shopping Centre will remain closed this morning but a spokesperson says to look for updates on social media as they will try to open for business Friday afternoon. Walmart is set to reopen its doors Saturday following a November fire inside the store. An arson investigation continues into that incident.
BayToday will update this story as more details become available.
