LAFEYETTE, La. (KLFY)– The Lafayette Fire Department responds to a commercial fire in the 500 block of East Convent Street in Lafayette Wednesday evening.

The fire started under a metal canopy in the back of the building. The fire department said it seems the occupants used a metal container to burn disposable items, and placed it next to a wooden structure under the canopy. Fire officials believe the occupants didn’t extinguish the fire before leaving for the day.

Heavy smoke was coming from the back of the large warehouse that once occupied Lafayette Motors. It now houses a body shop and/or auto-mechanic repair shop. The structure sustained heavy fire damage to the exterior and moderate damage to the interior, according to LFD.

The fire was ruled an accident, according to LFD.

Firefighters said the employees were off at the initial time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.