The Rocky Mount Fire Department is investigating a small fire Friday at a school as arson, an official said.

Fire crews were called to John L. Smith Career and Technical Center just before noon Friday, said Rocky Mount police Officer D.A. Bowles, who is also a volunteer firefighter.

Firefighters saw smoke coming from a vent, and then discovered the fire in a compressor room, Bowles said.

The fire was contained to the room and was extinguished in 10 or 15 minutes, Bowles said.

The building, which houses automotive mechanical classes, General Education Development classes and more, was evacuated for about an hour, Bowles said.

--Amanda Codispoti