A spark from the gas stove in the kitchen of Monarch Catering College at Forestgate area triggered the blaze which got spread to the entire building within no time as the the floor and roof were laid with wood, fire service sources said.
Two fire engines from here and Coonoor and seven private water tankers toiled for nearly three hours to put off the fire, which destroyed computers, office files and documents, besides furniture in the class rooms, they said.
The workers, who were preparing food, however, managed to escape from the kitchen, from where six gas cylinders were thrown out by fire service and rescue personnel, while one cylinder burst into flames, they said.