(CBS) -- Investigators are trying to figure out what caused a suspicious fire inside the campaign office of a candidate running for mayor in south suburban Harvey.

Flames destroyed Albert Abney's office early Friday.

Abney says the timing is suspicious, CBS 2's Roseanne Tellez reports.

A barbershop shares the space with the campaign office. The owner, who surveyed the damage this afternoon, did not want to talk on-camera.

But Abney says the fire comes a day after vandals spray-painted over his campaign sign in front of the building.

Tom Ahern, ATF special agent-in-charge, said the fire appears suspicious. An investigation continues.