Kitchen appliance fire a 'reminder to businesses'

An electrical appliance left on overnight burnt through a pile of wooden boards at Stakeout Bar and Grill in Whangarei. Photo / John Stone

An appliance left on overnight that caused a fire at a Whangarei restaurant has sparked a warning for businesses to ensure appliances are turned off.

Fire crews were called to the Stakeout Bar and Grill Whangarei, on Bank St, after a 111 call was made about a kitchen fire at 9.45am.

Special fire investigator Craig Bain said the fire was caused by a pile of wooden chopping boards on a warmer appliance that was left on overnight.

"It's heated up a whole pile of bread boards and generated a lot of smoke throughout the restaurant," he said.

The fire described as a "slow smouldering fire" burnt through nearly 10 boards.

Mr Bain said the fire was a reminder to ensure appliances were turned off.

"This comes as a reminder for any business to make sure that things are shut off at the end of the day. This is the second restaurant fire we've had in a week," he said.

One fire crew attended and was at the restaurant for about 20 minutes.

No one was hurt in the fire.

Last Friday two fire crews were called to Gengy's Mongolian BBQ on Walton St after a fire was reported.

It was quickly brought under control.