HAYWARD, Calif. -- A spectacular three-alarm early Monday morning fire that sent flames soaring 45 feet into the air and destroyed an abandoned Hayward roller rink frequented by squatters may be a case of arson, authorities said.

Hayward Fire Chief Craig Bueno said information from witnesses has raised the possibility of arson in the blaze.

"It sounds as through it's a case of arson," Bueno said. "According to Hayward Police, they have statements from bystanders on Mission Blvd. that leads us to believe it could be arson."

Reports of the fire at the Valley Vista Skating Center were first called in to 911 at around 3:30 a.m. and arriving firefighters found the building completely engulfed in flames. More than three dozen firefighters eventually arrived on the scene with mutual aid being provided by Union City and Fremont.

The structure -- which was scheduled for renovation -- had been closed for several years and was a frequent haven for the homeless. Bueno said squatters have been a problem.

"This has been a problematic area," he said. "The city has boarded up the building (to keep squatters out)."

The fire was brought under control within an hour, but not before a wall and the roof had collapsed. Fortunately, there were no injuries to firefighters.

Arson investigators were on the scene.