Six months after opening, the sports dome at Central Tech has been heavily damaged in a fire.

Fire broke out around 2:30 p.m. on Monday.

Kids were using the track and field area when smoke was spotted in the area where the roof was being stored.

Officials said the roof was down for the season and placed in six rolls in a side area next to the field. It’s believed four or five of the rolls were damaged in the fire.

Police say arson is being investigated as a possible cause.

It’s estimated that the fire caused about $1-million in damages.

In the years leading up to its creation, the dome had been the focus of some controversy as students and members of the community clashed over the needs of the neighbourhood.

The dome is a private/public partnership with Razor Management, which rents out the dome when students aren’t using it.