PHOTOS: Part of East Elm Street to remain closed Tuesday after fire

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A state government building in Jefferson City went up in flames on Monday night causing East Elm Street between Eldorado Drive and Nelson Drive to remain closed for part of Tuesday.

Due to ongoing operations with the fire, officials said the road is expected to remain closed until later Tuesday. Officials have asked people to avoid the area.

Around 8:51 p.m. on Monday, the Jefferson City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1600 block of East Elm St. Fire officials first on scene reported heavy fire showing from the roof of a large office building.

Twenty-one Jefferson City Firefighters responded to the fire, along with one squad, four chief officers, and the Fire Department Chaplain. Cole County EMS responded with an ambulance, and the Jefferson City Police Department helped as well.

Jefferson City Fire Chief Matthew Schofield said this was a large response.

"This is a large response for organization, we also called in about 15 people to staff the rest of the city to provide continuous coverage," Schofield said.

He also said a large number of computers in the building caused concern about possible toxic fumes.

The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. No injuries have been reported at this time.

Crews were still at the scene around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.