Flames were about the only thing that could drive the crowd away from an absorbing cricket contest in Dunedin, but they did get the next best thing - a fire alarm.
In bizarre scenes, more than 3200 spectators, as well as media and other staff, were ordered to leave the University Oval ground late on Friday's third day of the first Test between New Zealand and South Africa.
The day ended early in poor light with South Africa 1-38 in their second innings - an overall lead of five runs.
Dean Elgar was on 12 and Hashim Amla 23.
Just after 5pm, South Africa were 1-14. The Kiwis had their tails up and were hunting another breakthrough when steam set off a fire alarm in the main grandstand.
Initially, just the grandstand was evacuated but then that extended to the entire ground, although the players and match officials remained on the field. The official attendance figure was 3296 but only a few hundred returned after 20 minutes were lost.
Following the break, low light meant New Zealand could only use spinners Mitchell Santner and Jeetan Patel.
Earlier, South African opener Stephen Cook went for a duck in Trent Boult's first over, lifting the Kiwis and their supporters.
The hosts were dismissed for 341 less than an hour into the post-tea session, in response to South Africa's first innings of 308 - a lead of 33 runs.
It was helped by lusty lower-order hitting from Neil Wagner (32), Kane Williamson's 16th Test century and fifties from Jeet Raval (52) and BJ Watling (50).
Senior batsman Ross Taylor was not out 15 after he returned after retiring hurt on Thursday.
Skipper Williamson maintained New Zealand's hopes for a big score and he did his best to haul in South Africa's total before he was dismissed when the score was 6-277. His 130 off 241 balls lasted more than six hours.
His 16th Test century, off 195 deliveries, brought him level with Taylor. He is just one behind Martin Crowe for the most Test centuries by a New Zealander.
Keshav Maharaj was the best of the Proteas' bowlers with 5-94 for his first five-wicket bag in Tests.
Vernon Philander returned 2-67, Kagiso Rabada 1-92 and Morne Morkel 2-62.
Friday was the coldest of the three days so far and the first without bright sunshine.
South Africa won the toss on Wednesday and chose to bat. Their 308 was anchored by 140 from opener Elgar.
