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FERGUSON • The Ferguson Brewing Company was damaged by a fire that started in the kitchen overnight.

An owner, Joe Lonero, said he didn't know when he might reopen.

Ferguson Assistant Fire Chief Steve Fair said a fluorescent light left on in the kitchen area caught fire. A police officer driving by the restaurant, at 418 South Florissant Road, saw smoke and reported the fire at 6:21 a.m. Friday.

Crews from the fire house two blocks away saw smoke across Florissant Road. Black smoke was pouring from the building and soon after the fire commander circled the brick building there were flames coming from a side door and window, Fair said.

The one-alarm fire was brought under control in about 10 minutes.

The kitchen was gutted, but the fire didn't reach the second floor banquet room, Fair said. The rest of the business had water and smoke damage. Twenty firefighters from four departments helped fight the fire. No one was injured.

Fair estimated the building is about 100 years old.

The restaurant and brewery announced Friday night on Facebook that a had been set up. "Everything donated will go directly to the employees of Ferguson Brewing Co.," the posting said.