Office evacuated after fire breaks out next to White House

Thick black smoke billowed from a fire on the US White House compound today.

The blaze appeared to be located near the ceremonial office of vice president Dick Cheney on the second floor of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

The vice president was across the street in his office in the West Wing of the White House at the time.

Secret Service spokesman Darrin Blackford said the building, which is opposite the White House West Wing, was evacuated as a precaution.

Firefighters poured water on the blaze and moved furniture from the building onto a balcony.

The building houses the Office of Management and Budget and staff of the National Security Council and other agencies.