A kitchen fire broke out at Castlefield bar and grill Dukes 92 this morning – just hours after they tweeted that today would be ‘hot, hot, hot’.
Eyewitnesses reported a fryer explosion could have caused the flames at the restaurant shortly after 11am.
Fire crews attended the blaze which sent smoke billowing from the roof of the building and into the Manchester skyline.
Ironically, the bar had earlier taken to Twitter to celebrate the hot weather in the city.
CAUGHT OUT: Dukes 92’s earlier tweet
FLAMES: Fire is clearly visible billowing from the top of the building (image courtesy of @_mills_ with thanks)
And owners later confirmed that the venue would be closed due to the ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
They also tweeted an update shortly after confirming that all staff are safe.
All staff are safe, thank you for your messages. We are currently awaiting an update from the fire department. Thank you for your patience!
— Dukes 92 (@dukes_92) July 17, 2014
Mancunians posted images of the fire on social media:
Smoke coming from Alberts Shed/ Dukes 92 in Castlefield … Ohh shiiiiiiit pic.twitter.com/BVhHzny8MH
— Natalie Smith (@Miss_NataliePJA) July 17, 2014
SMOKESCREEN: Black smoke pours into the sky from the blaze (©Neil Munford with thanks)
ON THE SCENE: Fire crews respond to the blaze (©Carl Shaw with thanks)
RISING: Smoke comes out of the roof vents (©Carl Shaw with thanks)
Manchester Fire service had been on strike earlier in the morning between 6am and 8am.
Image courtesy of Liam Calland with thanks