The Kaitaia Fire Brigade had just 50-odd metres to travel to a blaze at the Sea Dragon restaurant in the town's main street on Friday afternoon, but it wasn't the easiest situation the crew had ever encountered.
Station officer Craig Rogers said the fire started in a wok, the flames getting into the extractor and setting the framing and fat in the chimney alight. Damage to the ceiling was "quite substantial,'' as was smoke damage to the restaurant proper.
The only occupants appeared to be the owners and staff, who despite the encouragement of two police officers were clearly reluctant to vacate the premises.
Two crews spent close to an hour at the scene, extinguishing the flames and ventilating the building.
