A potentially suspicious fire at a Bay of Plenty supermarket is being investigated by police.

Firefighters were called to a skip-bin fire near New World on Old Taupo Road in Rotorua on Tuesday night.

Fire and Emergency northern fire communications shift manager Daniel Nicholson says two crews attended the fire at 11pm.

He says it burned the side of the building and was doused by the supermarket's sprinkler system by the time firefighters arrived at the scene.

A fire safety investigator has been called to examine the scene.

A police spokesperson says officers are making enquiries into the fire and are treating is a 'potentially suspicious” at this stage.

People with information about the fire are asked to contact their nearest police station.

Alternatively, information can also be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.