None of the 39 people at the Quality Inn were injured early Thursday morning when a fire started outside the building.

Rocky Mount fire officials said crews responded shortly before 2 a.m. to the hotel at 1200 Benvenue Road and quickly called for more units when they said they saw the smoke from a distance. According to fire reports, crews saw brown smoke billowing near the roof and flames coming from the exterior wall and column near the front of the hotel.

Firefighters evacuated all three floors of the building with help from Rocky Mount police. A ladder truck was set up to assist aerially with the fire attack while crews worked on the ground level. Officials said it took about 20 minutes to bring the fire under control and about 30 minutes from crews’ arrival to allow the occupants to return to their rooms.

Officials said the cause of the fire is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 977-1111 or crimestoppers@rockymountnc.gov.