Popular bar and eatery Due South in Albany evacuated after smell of smoke sparks call to emergency services

About 20 people, including staff and customers, were evacuated from Due South on Friday as a strong smell of smoke from the popular restaurant’s kitchen sparked concern. Emergency services were called to Toll Place in Albany at about 4pm following reports of smoke between the ground and first floors of the waterfront building. They were delayed when a passing train stopped them from crossing the train tracks at the bottom of York Street. When they arrived, firefighters could not find active flames. Patrons and staff were evacuated with about 20 people seen milling on the pavement outside as emergency services investigated, eventually locating the source of the smell to a powerpoint in the kitchen. Crews are dissembling the wall to expose the source of the smell and monitoring the area. It is not known what caused the flames but it is understood that two electricians were removing a switch when the smell of smoke caused alarm.