An oil fire in the kitchen of a Northland tavern has forced a temporary closure so the damage can be repaired.
Fire safety official Craig Bain said a fault with the thermostat on a fryer used at the Poroti Tavern, on Mangakahia Rd, was the most likely cause of the blaze that started about 4.40pm last Friday.
He said the owners had used the fryer to cook some wedges, turned the oil down and delivered the plate of food to the customer in the bar.
They remained working in the bar area and when they returned the empty plate the fire was discovered.
"They tried to put it out with the extinguisher but then got the customers out and called for the fire brigade," Mr Bain said.