UPDATE: This story has been updated to include comments from the business owners and their plans for the future.

OSHKOSH – An early-morning fire destroyed an iconic piece of local history Tuesday in the city's downtown.

Mabel Murphy's, 701 N. Main St., was reduced to rubble after a fire broke out around 1:40 a.m. at the apartment building next door, Oshkosh Fire Department spokesman John Holland said. By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, wind had caused the fire to spread to the tavern, which collapsed as a result.

The building next door, where the fire started is still standing, though it has significant fire, water and smoke damage, Holland said.

No residents were injured as everyone made it out safely, Holland said. The fire displaced nine people from the apartments, and the American Red Cross is helping them, spokesman Justin Kern said.

A firefighter has a minor injury, according to a statement from the fire department.

Around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Oshkosh Fire Department posted a photo on Facebook of the building with the caption, "The end of an era in Oshkosh" with a sad face emoji. Firefighters were able to save the Mabel Murphy's sign that hung outside the building.

"I've been here all my life — I'm 55 — and I don’t remember it ever not being there," Holland said.

Authorities asked people to avoid the area of North Main Street and East Irving Avenue as firefighters responded. The roads reopened Tuesday afternoon.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, Holland said.

Mabel Murphy's was set to mark its 45th anniversary this weekend, according to his Facebook page, though the building itself has a history dating back to the 1890s. Owner Stephen Vadnais declined to comment when a USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin reporter contacted him Monday afternoon.

But by Wednesday morning, the business posted a message on its Facebook page, thanking everyone for their support.

"I can't emphasis enough how much love we all feel from all the out pouring from everyone," the post stated, in part. "All the kind words, the memories, and oh those fun times, THANK YOU!

"Mabel Murphy's will hopefully live on. Not sure if in the same location or somewhere else, but hopefully somewhere."

Lydia Slattery and Nathaniel Shuda contributed to this report.

Contact Natalie Brophy at 715-216-5452 or nbrophy@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @brophy_natalie or Facebook at facebook.com/bynataliebrophy.