Snooker players and fans were evacuated from the York Barbican last night after a fire in the foyer.
The evening session at the UK Snooker Championship yesterday (Sunday) was delayed as the fire service were called.
Players, who had been minutes away from resuming first-round action, and fans were evacuated from the venue as alarms sounded.
World Snooker Tour confirmed: “The fire brigade identified a small fire in the reception of the York Barbican.
“It has now been put out and the building has been adjudged as safe for fans and players to return.”
After a delay of about one hour, during which players were ushered to the warmth of a nearby pub, play in the matches between Shaun Murphy and Hossein Vafaei, and Ali Carter and Matthew Selt, was due to get under way.
Fire crews were called at 6.55pm.
A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “York, Acomb and Huntington crews attended a building, following a report of smoke inside.
“On arrival, the crew located an overheated ventilation fan.
“The crew carried out inspection using a thermal image camera. Staff members isolated power to fan. Advice given.”
