Fire caused heavily damage to the Sportsman's Cafe at 208 Spruce Street in Manchester and the apartments above it.
The sports bar closed at 11 p.m., so no one was there when the fire broke out just after 1 a.m., but two people who live in an apartment above it were sleeping at the time.
One woke up and saw the fire. They were able to call 911 and escape uninjured.
Investigators said the fire started in a supply closet near the bar's back door. The closet is located in an alcove near the smoking section, and it's not clear if smoking materials are to blame.
Investigators said they've ruled out heating and electrical equipment as the cause.
A firefighter was injured after slipping on ice while battling the blaze.
Most of the damage is on the rear third of the building, but officials from the Manchester Fire Department said the fire started coming through the floor of the apartment.
“This building is uninhabitable. It's going to be closed for major renovations. The apartment will not be reoccupied, the bar will not be operating,” Manchester Fire Chief Robert Bycholski said.
The bar, known for its burgers and roast beef sandwiches, last had a fire on April 19, 2010. It started in the kitchen, according to the fire department.
The fire marshal is investigating. Officials said the fire appears to be accidental.
According to fire officials, the first and second floors of the building received extensive damage.
