A FIERCE blaze ripped through the roof of the Widnes Little Chef and Burger King, causing extensive damage.
A faulty light fitting sparked off a fire at the restaurant in Fiddlers Ferry Road, just before 9pm on Sunday.
"The fire spread to the roof space," said sub officer Martin Walsh. "Access was gained by breaking through the roof with a hydraulic platform and also through a wooden ceiling."
Customers and staff were safely evacuated and no one was hurt.
Five fire crews from Widnes, Runcorn and Stockton Heath tackled the flames. They were at the scene for several hours.
A Little Chef spokesperson, said: "It is as yet unclear as to when the restaurant will re-open. If necessary, Little Chef will attempt to re-employ all 15 members of the restaurant team.
"No members of the public or staff were in danger at any time as a result of the fire and correct procedure was followed throughout."
The cost of the fire is not yet known as insurance experts are still assessing the damage.
