Cafe cleared as fire is put out

Bewley's cafe at Grafton Street, Dublin, suffered minor damage yesterday when a coffee roaster on the ground floor overheated…

Bewley's cafe at Grafton Street, Dublin, suffered minor damage yesterday when a coffee roaster on the ground floor overheated, starting a small fire.

Ms Deirdre Clarke, the manager of the restaurant, said staff noticed smoke and a burning smell coming from the roaster shortly after 11 a.m. yesterday. Customers and staff were evacuated and three units of Dublin Fire Brigade were called.

Smoke rose from the burning roaster throughout the building and started a small fire at the centre of a flue running through the premises. Smoke spread from vents on each floor, causing minor damage. The cafe was closed for about an hour.