NILES, MI -- A fire at the former United Fixtures warehouse is being investigated as a possible arson.

Firefighters, responding on Monday afternoon to the facility,discovered a large box in a dock area on fire, according to The Niles Star. They also found metal parts separated from the wood, indicating that "scrappers" might have entered the building.

Though fire damage was minimal, investigators said it could have spread throughout the building if fire crews hadn't put it out.

Interlake Material Handling, Inc., United Fixtures Company Inc. and their affiliates, including National Store Fixture, filed for bankruptcy in Febraury 2009.

The Niles warehouse facility is now owned by National Standard Co., a manufacturer of weld wire.