A fire in the kitchen of a Dickson restaurant caused about $40,000 damage yesterday, and led to the evacuation of nearly 80 people from nearby businesses and apartments.
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The fire began on a cooktop in the kitchen of the New Asia Chinese restaurant on Cape Street about 12.20pm.
Intensive care paramedics treated a man, believed to be the restaurant's chef, for minor burns and took him to the Canberra Hospital.
A neighbouring shop owner, who asked not to be named, had been standing outside when the chef had emerged from the blaze.
''We started smelling smoke,'' he said.
''I stuck my head out and there were about four or five people standing out the front of the restaurant, and I saw smoke coming out.
''I actually stuck my head in there and said 'is there anyone in there?' and then the chef ... he ran out of the building and his hair looked a bit frayed and he looked like he had burns down his arms.''
There were fears the fire may have spread through ducting to the Coventry Apartments above the restaurant.
About 80 people were evacuated from their homes and neighbouring businesses, but firefighters gave the all-clear about 3.40pm.
Three fire pumpers had rushed to the restaurant after an automatic fire alarm was set off and multiple triple-0 calls were made. They were supported by the Bronto aerial firefighting platform, a hazmat team, breathing apparatus vehicle and a command unit.
Crews ventilated lingering smoke from neighbouring businesses.
ACT Fire and Rescue Commander Wayne Shaw said firefighters were quickly on the scene.
Electricians shut down power to a number of tenants, before the complex's wiring was deemed safe.