Arson probe after fire at North Hobart restaurant Fish Bar

Investigators believe a fire that gutted a North Hobart restaurant in the early hours of this morning may have been deliberately lit.

The fire in Elizabeth Street caused an estimated $200,000 damage. (Source : ABC News)

Firefighters were called to the Fish Bar about 3:30am when a passer-by noticed the alarm was sounding and smoke coming from the building.

The building was well ablaze when they arrived and it took three crews to extinguish it.

The building was gutted and damage was estimated to be $200,000.

The flat above the restaurant was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

The building's fire walls stopped the blaze spreading to other buildings, including neighbouring residential units.

Fire investigators have spent much of the day at the scene.

Source : ABC News   April 1st 2015