Municipal officials in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, say a recent fire on the tundra appears to be suspicious.

An investigation is underway to determine what caused the fire, which broke out about a kilometre from the hamlet on Monday.

Senior administrative officer Ron Mongeau said the fire was relatively small, about 50 metres by 20 metres in size.

"Finding a plastic pop bottle that had been burned in the area was suspicious, but the fire chief is continuing to look into it," Mongeau said Wednesday.

"Arson has not been ruled out."

Mongeau said warm and dry conditions on the tundra were also likely factors.

There was enough moisture beneath the soil in that area, so the fire did not spread quickly, he added.