ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A fire Friday night that destroyed a business at a St. Petersburg strip mall was arson, according to investigators.

The fire broke out around 9 p.m. at the strip mall on the corner of 1st Avenue South and 49th Street South. 

Authorities say they received a 911 call that reported an explosion in the unknown business before the fire broke out. Crews have not been able to confirm if anything did explode.

A furniture store next door to that business did sustain some damage. 

Authorities say all of the businesses were closed at the time.

Anyone with info is asked to call 1-877-NO-ARSON.