Fire hits building next door to White House
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Firefighters battled thick smoke and flames inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next door to the White House, on Wednesday.
Smoke could be seen from the White House driveway.
Video showed firefighters breaking a window and spraying flames with a hose.
A spokesman for the D.C. Fire Department said the fire started in an electrical closet or telephone bank area on the third floor.
Firefighters responded very quickly, said Alan Etter.
The building has been evacuated, and there was a lot of smoke associated with the fire, but there were no reports of injuries, he said.
The building, built between 1871 and 1888, is located across a driveway from the White House and houses the vice president's offices.
Also called the Old Executive Office Building, it was originally built for the State, War and Navy Departments and is an example of the French Second Empire style of architecture, according to a government Web site.
The building is the site of a number of events, including ceremonial signings, news conferences and photo opportunities.
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