A fire tore through the historic Ancient Market in Kingston-upon-Thames, London, in the early hours of Tuesday, October 6, destroying several market stalls and forcing eight people to evacuate.The blaze broke out at around 4:30am, prompting the London Fire Brigade to send four fire engines and about 25 firefighters to the scene.
Firefighters from Kingston, Surbiton, New Malden and surrounding stations responded to the emergency.The fire spread across a number of stalls in the market and burned for more than an hour. The London Fire Brigade said it received the first of six emergency calls at 4:33am and managed to extinguish the blaze by 6:08am.
Images shared on social media showed flames and thick smoke rising above the historic market, with several stalls and shopfronts appearing badly damaged.Eight people were evacuated from the area, but no injuries were reported. Police and firefighters also placed a cordon around the market as investigations into the cause of the fire began.
Kingston Council leader Andreas Kirsch expressed sympathy for traders, business owners and residents affected by the incident. He said the council was working with the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police to ensure the area was safe and support recovery efforts.The Ancient Market has been at the centre of Kingston’s community for centuries, with surviving records of a market dating back to the early 1200s.
Today, it has more than 20 permanent stalls, including fishmongers, greengrocers, florists, an artisan bakery and food vendors.The London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police are investigating the cause of the fire, while Kingston Council said efforts would focus on supporting affected businesses and restoring the historic market.
