An audience at an Adelaide live music venue were forced to evacuate a gig mid-set after a fire was started by a “disgruntled patron” on Friday night.

New Zealand rock band Five Mile Town were set to headline a single launch at Adelaide’s Crown and Anchor last Friday, with support from local bands The Valkyries and SuperCaine, but never made it to the stage of the venue’s upstairs bandroom due to a fire started during the closing of the latter blues rock band’s set.

A male described by 7 News as a “disgruntled patron” allegedly walked into the Crown and Anchor’s foyer and “threw a petrol can on the floor and struck a match” igniting a blaze that soon engulfed the stairwell leading to the bandroom.

“It was instant. Black smoke just came up the stairwell and thick clouds of smoke,” General Manager Dan Boudy told 7 News, with the fire setting off the smoke alarm and trapping the punters upstairs who were enjoying SuperCaine’s set.

“The security run [sic] across the back of the room to the sound guy, told everyone to evacuate,” SuperCaine member Alex Upton told TheMusic. “We were mid-set when the fire alarm went off, as we were evacuating you could see licks of flame in the front foyer.”

Thankfully, the venue’s quick-witted staff managed to quell the blaze. “We had some staff that acted extremely quickly; got the extinguisher and put the flames out which saved the day,” recounts Mr Boudy.

Support act The Valkyries also applauded the efforts of the Crown and Anchor staff in a series of tweets live from the venue fire.

There was reportedly no major structural damage to the venue, while a Facebook post by the venue managers thanking patrons said there were no reported injuries from the incident.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the staff and patrons who acted so quickly last night. Thankfully, no one was injured and the pub is still here to see another 150 years of great times with amazing people. Hope to see everyone in at the bar today for a few pints!”

South Australian Police did confirm to TheMusic however, that one individual sustained minor injuries during the fire. The male suspect has been detained under the mental health act, according to 7 News.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyondblue on 1300 22 4636

(Image: SuperCaine. Source: Facebook)

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