An early-morning fire that caused significant damage yesterday to the kitchen of the I Love Country Cafe on Pi'ikoi Street has been classified as an accident.

Fire Capt. Terry Seelig said food left on a lit burner started the fire, which spread throughout the kitchen.

The restaurant was closed and unoccupied at the time of the 2 a.m. fire. There were no injuries.

The fire caused significant damage to the kitchen and smoke damage to the rest of the eatery and the adjacent Payless Shoe Source outlet.

A fire investigator estimated damage to the restaurant at $200,000.

Richard Chan, who owns I Love Country Cafe, said the kitchen was a total loss and that the restaurant likely will be closed for two to three months.