A popular Rochester nightlife spot is closed until further notice after an early morning fire caused significant damage.
Crews with the Rochester Fire Department were called to Lux Lounge on South Avenue around 4:50 a.m. Monday after reports of a fire inside the building.
Deputy Fire Chief Joe Luna said firefighters arrived to find heavy fire conditions on the second floor of the structure and quickly launched an aggressive attack to prevent the blaze from spreading further.
The bulk of the fire was brought under control within about 30 minutes, but crews remained on scene to check for extension into the ceiling, roof, and wall spaces.
The business posted on social media that the fire started in an upstairs office area and confirmed the location will remain “closed until further notice” while repairs are made.
No one was inside the building at the time of the fire, except for an office cat named Woody, who was rescued by firefighters.
Luna also said crews initially believed someone may have been trapped inside after encountering what appeared to be a person in a bathtub, which was later determined to be a mannequin.
He said visibility inside the smoke-filled building was extremely limited at the time.
Fire officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
