JUNCTION CITY — A building northwest of Eugene in Junction City exploded and burst into flames.

The Register-Guard reports that authorities, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Junction City police are investigating the cause of the early Monday explosion and fire.

Authorities say a swastika and a racial slur were found spray painted at the scene.

Junction City Police Chief Bob Morris says the cause of the fire is suspicious. Authorities on Monday had not been able to contact the building's owners.

State business records show Irene and Devon Huntley bought the building in 2015. Morris said they were renovating the building, which had been used as an insurance office, to become a restaurant.

No further information was immediately available.

— The Associated Press