A fire heavily damaged the kitchen area of The Beijing House on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Richmond Hill fire Chief Ralph Catlett, an employee had forgotten to set a timer on a smoker used to cook spare ribs at the restaurant in Ford Plaza.

Smoke started to pour from the smoker. When an employee opened the device, flames shot out, catching the kitchen walls on fire.

Catlett said the fire occurred around 2 p.m. and Richmond Hill firefighters were able to bring it under control quickly before the fire spread. No one was injured.

Catlett said the restaurant will be closed temporarily while repairs are made.