A fire that caused damage to Jay-Z and Beyonce's $2.4 million New Orleans mansion is being investigated as a possible arson attack.

Reportedly, the fire began in the kitchen, where firefighters found books in the oven, and a gasoline canister was seen in the home.

A spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Department confirmed yesterday (July 22) that it received a report of a person acting suspiciously near the mansion when the blaze broke out at about 6.20pm on Wednesday evening (July 21).

Thankfully, the house has been empty for some time. Authorities were alerted when the smoke alarm went off in the property and firefighters were able to put out the flames two hours later.

A fire department spokesperson told the New York Post: “If they didn’t get there when they did, it could have been much worse. It’s a historic home.”

The extent of the damage to the home remains unclear and the couple have yet to comment.

In other related news, Jay-Z is set to feature on Kanye West's new album, Donda. Last night (July 22), the rapper held a listening party for the album in Atlanta at which Jay-Z's collaboration was debuted.