Wanaka's volunteer fire brigade was called to Penguin Takeaways on upper Ardmore St at 4.45am on Saturday and spent almost two hours bringing the flames under control, fire chief Steve Trevathan said.
‘‘The fire started out the rear of the building and the place was engulfed in flames by the time we arrived. The premises has three ceilings in it and this caused a bit of bother for the 10 fire crew who attended,'' he said.
Detective Ian Kerrisk, of Alexandra, said an investigation into the cause of the fire was concluded by noon on Saturday.
‘‘The fire started accidentally at the rear of the building and there is no further need for police involvement,'' he said in a media statement.
The Otago Daily Times understands the fire started in some wheelie bins containing disposed cooking oils which selfcombusted.
Det Kerrisk praised the actions of Ross Duncan, the occupant of a neighbouring flat, who raised the alarm when he heard the crackling flames of the fire.
‘‘His actions have prevented the potential for further damage to the property,'' Det Kerrisk said.
A neighbouring dental surgery had vacated its rental space in the premises on Friday.
The building, which has three tenants and is owned by Ickworth Nominees Ltd, is to be demolished to make way for a planned $2 million retail and commercial development.
A resource consent for the new development has been filed and is awaiting a decision.
Penguin Takeaways owner Ben Briggs said he was unsure about the immediate future for his business but intended to apply for a lease for premises in the proposed new building.
