An investigation is underway after a fire ignited inside the New Bedford School Department building Thursday evening.

New Bedford Fire Chief Brian Medeiros told 12 News firefighters were called to the County Street building after receiving a fire alarm activation.

Medeiros said firefighters were able to quickly knock down the fire, which broke out in an office on the first floor.

The fire did not spread beyond the office, according to Medeiros, but firefighters spent a couple of hours working to clear the building of smoke.

Medeiros said no one was inside the building when the fire broke out.

Investigators are now working to determine the cause of the fire.

See more at wpri.com.