Eight evacuated as fire destroys stalls at Kingston Ancient Market
Four fire engines tackled the blaze on Market Place; the area remains cordoned off while police and the fire brigade investigate the unknown cause.
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A fire destroyed a number of stalls at Kingston's Ancient Market on Market Place early Tuesday. The first emergency call was logged at 04:33 BST and the blaze was out by 06:08, according to the London Fire Brigade, as reported by BBC London.
Council response
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Kingston Council leader Andreas Kirsch said he was "shocked and saddened" by the incident. He added that the council is working with partners to support those affected, as reported by BBC London. The council confirmed that police have kept the market area cordoned off, preventing any business from operating until further notice.
Fire brigade and police investigation
The London Fire Brigade reported that four fire engines and roughly 25 firefighters responded to the scene. The brigade said the fire destroyed a range of market stalls, damaged the fascia of several properties and a small part of a neighbouring roof. Metropolitan Police are also investigating the cause, which remains unknown, as reported by BBC London.
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"The Ancient Market sits at the heart of the community and my thoughts are with the traders, business owners and residents who have been impacted by this incident," said Andreas Kirsch.
Andreas Kirsch, Kingston Council leader
Impact on traders and residents
Eight people were evacuated from the market area and no injuries were reported, according to the London Fire Brigade, as reported by BBC London. A spokesperson for All Saints Church, located between the market and the Bentall Centre, thanked firefighters and police for preventing the flames from spreading to surrounding buildings.
Future of the market
In January, operator Between the Bridges submitted plans to Kingston Council for a revamp of the market that would include new stalls, a central piazza, restaurant, bar and roof terrace. No decision on those proposals has been announced, and the council has not indicated when the cordon will be lifted. The ongoing investigations by the fire brigade and police will inform any further actions.
Questions this report answers
+When did the fire start and when was it put out?
The first emergency call was received at 04:33 BST and the fire was extinguished by 06:08, according to the London Fire Brigade, as reported by BBC London. The timeline shows a roughly one and a half hour operation.
+How many people were evacuated and were there any injuries?
Eight people were evacuated from the market area and no injuries were reported, as confirmed by the London Fire Brigade, as reported by BBC London. This means the incident caused no physical harm to those present.
+What is the current status of the market for traders?
The market remains cordoned off by police, preventing any business within the closed area from trading until further notice, as reported by BBC London. Traders cannot operate until the council lifts the restriction.
+Who is investigating the cause of the fire?
Both the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police are investigating the cause of the fire, which remains unknown, as reported by BBC London. Their joint inquiry will determine the origin and any possible criminal aspects.
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