Smithfield firefighters responded to the call on East Johnston Street about 2:30 p.m. Billy Langston, coordinator of Smithfield Emergency Management Services, said lint around a working washer and dryer in the back of the building caught fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the property was not damaged, he said.

Representatives of Johnston County Youth Services smelled smoke and called the authorities, Langston said. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire was already out, he said.

A cleaning company leases the warehouse space, Langston said. Unlimited Insurance and Studio Three Photo also occupy the building.

East Johnston Street was closed for about 30 minutes.