Diners evacuated in Vic restaurant blaze
A fire at a popular inner Melbourne restaurant that forced the evacuation of diners has caused more than $400,000 worth of damage.
About 50 people, including a small wedding party, were enjoying dinner at Donovan's Restaurant, St Kilda when the fire broke out in its roof above the kitchen on Sunday evening.
A worker raised the alarm when they saw flames billowing out of the roof tiles, and staff activated a fire evacuation plan.
Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) firefighters said no one was injured and they were able bring it under control in 50 minutes. They stopped it from spreading.
Restaurant owners Kevin Donovan and his wife, Gail, thanked the brigade for saving most of the building, and have vowed to reopen the 'much-loved' restaurant within the next three months.
"It's the absolute love of our lives this restaurant," Gail said. "We're going to get on with it and make it bigger and better than ever. I can't wait to get inside and start cleaning her up.
"It's her 19th birthday this year, she'll be 20 next year so it looks like she'll have a facelift for her 20th birthday."
The damage bill has been estimated at $400,000 and its cause is still being investigated.
Most of the damage was contained to the roof of the building while the dining area and a $300,000 wine collection was untouched.
In January, another high-profile beach-side restaurant, Stokehouse, burnt down after a blaze broke out in the kitchen.
Morning news break – August 25
