Ossie Altun inspects the damage to his fryers after Sunday's fire at Ossie's Fish Bar in Preston Street.

by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

A popular Faversham takeaway will be out of business for two weeks after fire caused it to be evacuated on Sunday.

Ossie’s Fish Bar in Preston Street was partially damaged by smoke and soot as an electrical spark caused one of the fryers to catch alight. Crews were called out just after noon when the alarm was raised by staff.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus and dry powder extinguishers to put out the flames as the smoke spread to the extractor system. Their quick action managed to stop the ground floor blaze from spreading to the shop’s upper floors.

Owner Ossie Altun and a few staff were inside at the time, before Sunday lunchtime trade had picked up.

He said: “The firefighters were on the scene in moments. There’s some damage inside and we’ll have to do some redecorating, but thankfully nobody was hurt.

“It’s a bit of a nuisance that we’ll be out of business for a couple of weeks, but we can repair damaged equipment and put on a new lick of paint. It’s not the end of the world and things could’ve been a lot more serious when you think about it.

“Only a few customers were in the shop at the time and our smoke detectors went off very quickly.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to the firefighters for being there so quick. We’ve also had lots of people ringing asking us how we are and if we need any help.

“That’s been great to have their support and we can’t wait to reopen which we hope to do by Christmas.”

Ossie, real name Ramzan Altun, also owns takeaways in Gillingham, Sittingbourne, Tankerton and Herne Bay.

In 2007 and 2008, Ossie’s Fish Bar was voted in the top five in the London and South East Seafish Competition.

See more pictures in this week's Faversham News.