burglary attempt.

Store owner Richard Powell said there was evidence of a break-in at the Paget store.

He said the thief may have accidentally dropped a cigarette or deliberately set the fire after being surprised by an alarm.

Twelve firefighters responded to the report around 1 a.m. yesterday morning.

The fire caused damage to a room on the southern side of the building and charring and smoke logging throughout the building.

Damage was estimated at $7,000. The incident is under investigation.