A fire in the Treasury Building was brought under control Wednesday night about 3-1/2 hours after hundreds of government workers were evacuated from the stately 19th century building adjacent to the White House.

The fire erupted on the roof of the 125-year-old structure in the afternoon, and fire officials said heavy smoke filled the fifth floor and basement of the five-story building. Dense smoke could be seen billowing from the roof three hours after the fire began.

He said several spot fires were still burning within the building Wednesday night and added, “We’re going to be here for a while.”