Firefighters were called to an early morning blaze at an Indian restaurant in central Dunedin.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand senior station officer Mark Leonard said about 3.12am they received reports of black smoke coming from the building.
Crews arrived at 3.17am and firefighters forced entry and used breathing apparatus once inside, he said.
Three young men living in a flat above the restaurant smelt the smoke and exited through the rear of the building.
The fire was quickly extinguished, the swift actions of Fire and Emergency New Zealand were key in stopping the fire from spreading, Mr Leonard said.
The brick construction of the building also helped, he said.
Two fire investigators were on the scene trying to determine the fire’s cause, but it was not believed to be suspicious.
The blaze appeared to have started in the kitchen area.
Five appliances were involved in battling the fire, including a ladder truck, Mr Leonard said.
