Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying any information about a fire that started in the boys’ restroom at the Albert Lea Family Y Thursday night.

The fire appeared to have started in a garbage can on the main level of the facility, and damage is estimated between $5,000 and $10,000.

According to police, dispatchers received a call at about 8:10 p.m. stating that fire alarms were going off and that there was black smoke coming out of the restroom.

When officers and firefighters arrived, the fire had already been extinguished, but there was a large amount of smoke in the main hallway of the building.

Everyone was out of the main level, but officers cleared the lower level.

Albert Lea Police Lt. Jeff Strom said part of a wall in the restroom had to be taken down by firefighters because of question whether the fire had penetrated it.

The fire remains under investigation by the Albert Lea fire and police departments.

Albert Lea Family Y Director Dennis Dieser was slated to have an interview Friday. Look for his comments in the Sunday edition of the Tribune.

The restroom this morning appeared to have been cleaned but gray and black smudges still clung to the walls. Tiles were removed from the ceiling, and the commode had the most severe damage.

Local investigators can be reached at 507-377-5200, or people can call the arson hot line at 800-723-2020. People providing information on this fire may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,500.