Photo courtesy Alberton, Chapple, Emo & La Vallee Fire & Emergency Services/Facebook

A fire that started in a parked vehicle has been identified as the reason for a major blaze to a business in Alberton township.

The fire at North Auto was reported in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Firefighters with the Alberton Volunteer Fire Department were confronted with heavy smoke and flames that made their way through a large attic of the roof of the automotive repair shop.

Three people living in an apartment above the shop escaped without injury.

Firefighters from LaVallee and Fort Frances were called in to provide additional support.

Firefighters were on scene for almost twelve hours.

Officials say the fire started in a vehicle that parked alongside the building.

The reason for the vehicle starting on fire is still under investigation.