EMBED >More News Videos Smoke was pouring from the roof when firefighters arrived.

Run by the same family since 1952, Bullock's in Durham is shut down temporarily by a fire in the kitchen. #abc11 pic.twitter.com/v2k7AAI9Ln — Anthony Wilson (@AnthonyABC11) April 20, 2016

The dining area has some water damage and the front door's smashed. Ty Bullock's reassuring longtime diners. #abc11 pic.twitter.com/0Vd3AvcsUE — Anthony Wilson (@AnthonyABC11) April 20, 2016

DURHAM (WTVD) -- Fire has damaged Durham's famous Bullock's BBQ.Heavy smoke was pouring from the roof just after 7 a.m. Wednesday when firefighters arrived at the business off Hillsborough Road.They climbed onto the roof and began using a saw to cut into vents to get at the flames.Our crew on the scene said the fire started in the kitchen area. The cause was under investigation.Bullock's BBQ has been operating in Durham since 1952. The restaurant's website says Glen Bullock started cooking pigs on the weekends for friends and neighbors in the 1940s and the family turned it into a business."We'd like to express our gratitude to all the responders and the Durham Fire Department who did an excellent job. They saved our family business," said Ty Bullock.It is the longest continuous running restaurant in Durham and has been at its current location since 1970."My grandparents started this restaurant, and there are a lot of prized photos of people who've enjoyed my family's food for all these years," said Bullock.Bullock said despite the damage, they'll be back in business soon.