A Kingston Beach pizzeria has suffered an estimated $200,000 in smoke and heat damage after a pile of hot tea towels self-combusted overnight.
Fire crews were called to Zero81 Ristorante and Pizzeria on Beach Road at approximately 3:30am following an alert from a member of the public.
Firefighters from Kingston and Hobart stations forced entry into the premises where they discovered a crate of tea towels ablaze.
The fire was quickly extinguished, with authorities confirming no structural damage occurred to the building, though internal smoke and heat damage was extensive.
Tasmania Fire Service Acting District Officer Adam Meredith said investigators had determined the cause was accidental.
“When items are removed from clothes dryers, extreme care needs to be taken to ensure that the items are able to fully cool down to avoid self-combustion,” he said.
Meredith said the incident serves as an important reminder about proper laundry handling procedures.
“Members of the public are also advised to allow clothes dryers to fully complete their cool down cycle prior to removing items,” he said.
Self-combustion can occur when hot fabrics, particularly those containing oils or fats commonly found in commercial kitchens, are piled together without ventilation.
The business says it will be closed until further notice due to the fire.
