Iconic Midtown gay bar suffers fire damage, emergency officials say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A well-known gay bar in Midtown caught on fire early Saturday morning, according to the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department.

A back room in Blake’s on the Park, which is off 10th Street NE, went up in flames around 6 a.m. The fire didn’t leave the room, and its cause is currently unknown.

“I was shocked. Yeah, wasn’t expecting that at all and kind of disappointed because you know who knows how long it’s going to be closed now. It really is a staple for the community,” customer Jimmy Grucheski said.

Fire department officials said it doesn’t appear that the fire was targeted.

“I think it was just some kind of mishap inside. I don’t think it was arson or that anyone set the place on fire,” Blake’s manager Rod Llaneza said.

Blake’s on the Park has been open since 1988 and is known for its drag shows and karaoke nights.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.