Charred eatery business on hold

A P O P U L A R Townsville Chinese restaurant damaged in a blaze will remain closed for at least the next couple of f weeks, as the clean-up begins.

A fire broke out at the Dynasty Chinese Seafood Restaurant in Flinders St shortly after 2.30pm on Wednesday.

The cause of the fire is unknown, but it is believed to have started in the kitchen.

It was extinguished about 5.15pm with firefighters staying on the scene to monitor hot spots, which can flare up due to residual heat in the building.

The dining area of the restaurant was not damaged, with the interior and furniture intact. The ceiling in the kitchen sustained the worst damage, with new panels to be installed by builders after firefighters were forced to smash their way into the area to fight the blaze ( pictured).

The extent of the damage remains unclear and it is not clear if the business was insured.

Dynasty has been a favouri ite for food lovers s since its opening alm most 35 years ago. Head waiter Les Chun-tie has worked at the restaurant from the beginning and went to the restaurant yesterday and climbed ladders to clean up the mess, f finding himself cove ered in ash and dust. Smoke could be seen billowing over the city centre on Wednesday afternoon as the restaurant burned from within. Ten businesses in the Flinders St complex were evacuated as a precaution, with large traffic delays and smoke hazards.

Townsville Fire Station officer Corrie Benson said there was asbestos in the area but officers were “using all preventive measures to make sure that’s not an issue”. A petroleum and gas inspectorate officer told the Townsville Bulletin that a number of gas cylinders were located in the kitchen. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said there were no reported injuries. An investigation will be held to determine the cause of the blaze.