"The fire out broke out inside the transport department office at around 12 noon. Three fire tenders were pressed into service which doused the flame," said a fire service official.

"Prima facie it appears the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit," the official added.

No casualty or injuries were reported.

The centuries old Writers Buildings which traditionally housed the state secretariat has been closed for renovations and the offices have temporarily shifted to HRBC building in the neighbouring Howrah