A fire that damaged the Denny's Restaurant in Waikiki yesterday morning and forced police to shut down a stretch of Kuhio Avenue for two hours has been classified as accidental.

The fire was reported at 4:42 at the restaurant, 2345 Kuhio Ave., and began in the kitchen. Fire investigators determine that the blaze began when a gas range burner ignited grease, causing the fire to extend into the range hood.

The flames were controlled by the hood's fire protection system and was extinguished by fire personnel, said Capt. Terry Seelig, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman. Damage to the restaurant was estimated at $30,000.