The fire, which began in a freezer in the venue’s kitchen in the early hours of Saturday morning, took 12 firefighters about 10 minutes to control.

City Memorial Bowls Club general manager Julie Dosser said the kitchen would not be operating for next week’s May Races.

She said a builder was assessing the damage and while the bill was unknown, she estimated it would be in the thousands.

She said the fire alarm went off at 3.38am and the firefighters arrived at 4.04am.

“It’s not a long time but another 10 minutes and it would have been up in the roof and it could have been the whole club,” Ms Dosser said. 

A water pipe which burnt in the fire helped to douse the flames. “It’s pure luck. It’s melted the pipe and the water’s come down and we think that’s suppressed the fire a little bit”.

The front kitchen where bistro meals are ordered and prepared and the large commercial kitchen, used for functions, at the rear were significantly damaged. 

The burnt out switchboard means there is no power or air conditioning in the kitchen or function room.

She said the heat had “blown light covers to smithereens” and damaged exhaust fans and air conditioning outlets. Some of the ceiling and walls will need to be replaced and the kitchens will need to be repainted. 

A new switchboard has been installed and the floor which was only laid 12 months ago will also have to be replaced.

“Everything is covered in black soot wherever you go. It’s a huge clean down job. Everything will need to be stripped, wiped and washed.” 

Mick McGowan, who leases the kitchen, said it was hard to believe the amount of damage.  He said they were now waiting to see how long it would be until they could get back to work. 

The City Memorial Bowls Club gaming area and bar remain open for business. 

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