06:01 PM CST on Wednesday, March 1, 2006

KVUE News

A fire broke out at a popular bar on East 6th Street Wednesday afternoon.

KVUE News

Firefighters raced to the Chuggin' Monkey on 6th Street to battle a fire Wednesday.

Firefighters raced to the Chuggin' Monkey, located between Brazos and San Jacinto in downtown Austin's entertainment district.

The building's owner first called firefighters that he saw flames and heavy smoke in the building.

When firefighters arrived they attacked the flames from all sides, and they were finally able to knock down the flames.

Fire officials say it appears the damage is just on the second floor. No neighboring businesses were damaged.

"We always have fire on our mind here, lately. It seems like we're getting beat up with it down here," said Bob Woody, who owns a business next door. "We've had one in the 400 block, the 300 block and now the 200 block in the last three years, and it is a heavy concern. We're real lucky to have the fire department right there on 5th Street. They got over here quick. I estimate, 45 days, the Chuggin' Monkey will be back open."

There were no reports of injuries.

The building was built in 1884, and there are no sprinklers. Firefighters say the wood is old and the inside will burn very quickly in a fire.

Investigators say an exhaust fan in a bathroom sparked the blaze.