Fire in Ansonia nightclub building

ANSONIA, Conn. (WTNH) -- Fire investigators are looking to find what caused a fire in a nightclub building in Ansonia Monday morning.

Smoke poured out as fire simmered in the basement of the Asylum Cafe nightclub on Main Street.

Firefighters used force to search neighboring buildings and a consignment shop.

"Building filled with smoke, you couldn't see 10 feet in front of you," said Robert Carnaroli, My Sister's Place.

A smoke alarm woke a man in the second floor apartment, he was able to get out safely and then called 911.

Officials say the after hours club does not have a kitchen and that it wasn't open on Sunday night.
 
Investigators from the local and state fire marshal's offices are focusing their investigation on the basement. The club space recently renovated and re-opened under the name Asylum about six months ago.

"What is the extent of damage," asked News 8's Erin Cox.

"Damage to the first floor is mostly smoke and water in the basement, some of the flooring got burned out," said Chief Joe Kingston, Ansonia Fire Department.

The nightclub isn't the only new face on Main Street.

"It's starting to come back," said Carnaroli. "We see people coming downtown now more often."

"This is a minor setback," said Mayor James Della Volpe.

The Terry Building has a history dating back to the 1900's as home to various retail and commercial businesses. Officials say the old, solid structure is still sound despite the fire.

According to their Facebook page, My Sister's Place is closed until further notice due to the fire next door.