Suspicious fire in Albany

A fire at a childcare centre on Auckland's North Shore early this morning is being treated as suspicious.

Fire Service northern communications shift manager Scott Osmond said they were called to the blaze at Natural Steps Early Childhood Centre on Apollo Drive, Albany, about 3.20am.

The building was not occupied at the time.

Fifteen fire appliances attended and the blaze was contained in about an hour.

Mr Osmond said the centre. which only opened at the start of the year, was significantly damaged.

The fire was being treated as suspicious and police and a fire safety officer were investigating.