Fire roars in London’s historic market
BRITAIN: A large fire that swept through a building near the stables at London’s famous Camden Market was brought under control yesterday with no injuries reported.
The London Fire Brigade tweeted that the blaze, which broke out just before midnight on Monday (local time), was under control with firefighters continuing to dampen down the area to stop any further outbreaks.
The cause of the fire was not yet known but it is said to have broken out in a building where many restaurants and kitchens are located.
Earlier the London Fire Brigade tweeted that the first, second and third floors, plus the roof, of the building were involved in the fire.
A witness to the blaze, 24-yearold Joan Ribes, says she was passing when she saw the fire and feared the whole building might explode as there are restaurants and kitchens nearby.
‘‘I was just passing by when I saw the fire and they started to get firefighters and police, it was all very fast,’’ she said.
‘‘We called the police to close the street to the traffic because it was very dangerous. The fire was flying through the air to the surrounding areas.
‘‘The fire was moving very fast. People were watching, but we were scared the building could explode at any time since there are restaurants with kitchens nearby.’’
Local residents had been told to avoid the area as firefighters brought the blaze under control.
A spokeswoman for London’s Metropolitan Police said it was not known if anyone had been injured in the fire.
’’Police were called on Monday at 12.10am to Camden Lock Market to reports of a fire. London Fire Brigade were already at the scene when officers arrived.
‘‘It is unknown at this stage if any persons are injured, we await update,’’ the spokeswoman said.
Images of the blaze were posted on social media with one witness tweeting: ‘‘On a night bus I just passed the start of a big fire in Camden, now at Euston I’ve seen lots of ambulances head north.’’
Another tweeted: ‘‘Just drove past Camden market and there’s a huge fire on top a building, close to the Loch Bridge! Crazy crazy scenes.’’
A major blaze ravaged the area in 2008, shutting the attraction for several months. The markets are open every day from 10am till late. It houses more than 1000 sellers, street food traders and independent stores. – AAP