Staff were forced to flee from a popular St Helens pub and chippy after a fire broke out in the kitchen.
Firefighters were called to the Nelson on Bridge Street in the centre of town at 10.41am today (Friday).
Three fire engines were sent out and on arrival crews found the ground floor kitchen well alight.
The road was blocked while firefighters tackled the blaze, leading to local bus services being diverted.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said the fire involved a range fat fryer, adding: "The fire has been extinguished using high pressure hose reel jets and dry powder extinguishers.
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"Crews have smothered the range with fire blankets
"Firefighters have checked the first floor above the chip shop. There is no sign of fire spread but there is light smoke logging."
A statement on the pub's Facebook page said: "Unfortunately there has been a fire this morning in the chippy. All staff who were on the premises are out safe and unhurt.
"We will not be opening until further notice."
Christine Marsh, who manages the pub, said they planned to re-open the pub tomorrow (Saturday), but because of the kitchen fire the chippy would remain closed for the time being.
She said: "The fire was in the chippy part, but there was only light smoke damage to the pub."
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