"I'm hoping the lessons that should've been learned on 16 May 2023 are not lost."
A fire investigator is now at the scene to determine the cause.
The surviving resident spoke of waking up after hearing the horn.
Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Brendon Irwin has confirmed two people died.
"It's good to see how other people tackle similar problems."
Twelve appliances and 48 firefighters were in attendance at the peak of the blaze.
The road is expected to remain closed until Thursday morning.
Fire officers arrived at the scene just after 9.30pm and activated a third alarm, the highest level, when its scale became apparent.
Here's what we know.
The fire has been extinguished and an investigation will take place today.
The eatery has recently re-opened after a refurbishment with new owners.
More than 15 fire trucks and tankers are at the scene of the blaze.
The City Garden Lodge in Parnell is 120 years old.
Several emergency crews are at the scene of the blaze.
Fire crews were called to the scene on Tītoki Street just before 6:30am on Friday.
Fire and Emergency earlier told residents to keep their doors and windows closed.
A welfare centre for evacuated residents has been set up.
Emergency services responded just before 11pm on Friday, police say.
All four fires have been extinguished.
Fire and Emergency and WorkSafe are both warning of the risks of the heater.