SUDBURY -- Police have been called in to investigate a suspected arson overnight in North Bay.

Firefighters were called just after midnight Wednesday to a fire at 333 Main Street East, said North Bay Deputy Fire Chief Greg Saunders in an email.

"On arrival, firefighters were required to extinguish a fire that started in a garbage can that was pushed against the doorway to the building," said Saunders. "This fire had already extended into the doorframe and soffit above the door."

He said it was very close to turning into a very significant situation.

"Police were called to investigate what is clearly an arson fire," said Saunders.

Fire crews said damage to the vacant building is not significant.

Firefighters were able to get to the scene within five minutes and quickly extinguish the blaze.