More than 250 animals spent Wednesday night and Thursday on the move after a small fire at the Angels of Assisi office in Southwest Roanoke.

Roanoke Fire-EMS Chief David Hoback said crews were called to the 400 block of Campbell Avenue about 11 p.m.

Flames were contained within minutes and were isolated to rooms in the rear, but the animals housed there had to be relocated while the building was cleaned.

No people or animals were hurt during the fire, Hoback said, but some emergency workers and volunteers were bitten or scratched while trying to recapture cats that had escaped in the parking lot.

Tiffany Overton, the facility's manager, said more than 200 cats were taken out in cages; about 50 dogs and seven rabbits also were moved.

The animals were taken to the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection on Baldwin Avenue, according to Angels of Assisi volunteer coordinator Lisa O'Neill.

Roanoke Fire-EMS spokeswoman Tiffany Bradbury said the fire may have been caused by an electrical malfunction in the basement but did not have a damage estimate.

The animals were allowed back in Thursday and by midafternoon Overton said most had been returned.

"We must have had at least 50 volunteers last night and this morning, and we had donations pouring in," she said. They still need litter, towels, blankets and cardboard box tops sturdy enough to be used as cat boxes.

She said they hope to reopen the adoption center by Saturday and the clinic on Monday. To contact Angels of Assisi to inquire about hours or adoptions, call 344-8707.