Fire at the Phillips Collection

According to a statement from museum officials, the fire originated in the attic, and smoke spread through the galleries.

More than 50 firemen were dispatched to put out the blaze, and it wasn't immediately apparent whether any art was damaged. Pringer said the museum's sprinkler system was successfully activated, but heavy smoke can leave black soot marks after just a few minutes.

The museum's facilities have undergone a major renovation in the past 5 years, and there was ongoing construction Thursday morning, although it's unclear whether that contributed to the fire.  

The Phillips Collection first opened in 1921 to house the collection of Duncan Phillips. According to the museum's website, it is closed until further notice.