A welder sparked a small fire inside a wall at the downtown Hall of Justice today, sending smoke and acrid smells wafting through the building, authorities said.

The blaze broke out on the third floor of the courts complex in the 300 block of West Broadway about 1:30 p.m., according to San Diego police. Engine crews were able to quickly douse the smoldering burn area, a dispatcher said.

No injuries were reported.