Gardaí in Co Offaly are investigating a fire at Edenderry garda station, one of the largest in the county.
The fire was discovered shortly before 9am this morning when a garda sergeant arrived for work.
Fire fighters attended the scene a short time later and extinguished the fire. The building was unoccupied when the fire broke out.
The blaze caused considerable damage to a small downstairs office at the station. Extensive smoke damage was caused to the remainder of the building with the bottom floor worst affected.
A Garda scenes of crime unit examined the building as gardaí considered alternative accommodation arrangements on what is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year.
A Garda spokesman said it was too early to comment on the cause of the fire but all avenues were being investigated.
The station has been cordoned off.