the Hamilton Princess on Monday night.

A stage prop at a Hawkins Island Pirate Party -- performed indoors because of bad weather -- set off sensitive smoke detectors alerting the Fire Station just before 9.30 p.m., a spokesman said.

When they arrived there was no fire -- just embarrassed hotel staff.

Yesterday, Princess food and beverage manager Mr. Steven Jones admitted the hotel regularly warns the Fire Department when a flambee is on the menu because of the sensitivity of the alarms.

But he said the hotel did not warn the Fire Service because no-one knew exactly what acts performed in Monday's show comprised of.

The show is normally performed on Hawkins Island and includes limbo dancers and a band.