An air-conditioning rooftop unit at the the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center caused a fire at approximately 9:30 p.m. Thursday night. Eureka Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Scott Mullins said the fire was due to mechanical failure.

Mullins said a small area of the center had to be evacuated due to resulting smoke. The center is located at 18701 Old Highway 66.

"We contained the fire, and applied positive air pressure with fans to clear out the building," he said.

He said the maintenance crews at the center took over after the fire was under control.