LONDON – A major fire broke out late yesterday at London's famous Camden market, ripping through one of the city's top tourist draws and a nearby celebrity hangout, fire officials and witnesses said.
Flames sent bright-red cinders and huge plumes of smoke into the night sky. Fire officials said the blaze was brought under control more than three hours after it was reported. There were no casualties reported.
The fire spread quickly across the market and surrounding buildings, consuming part of the Hawley Arms, a famous pub that has attracted celebrities including singer Amy Winehouse, rocker Pete Doherty and model Kate Moss.
Hundreds of people poured into the streets, taking pictures of the inferno as police tried to push the crowds back and set up protective cordons.
Police said it was too early to comment on the possible cause of the blaze.
A London fire department spokeswoman said more than 100 firefighters and 20 vehicles were at the scene battling the inferno at the sprawling clothes-and-crafts market.
The culturally vibrant Camden area has six open-air and indoor markets hawking everything from handmade soaps to secondhand clothing. Originally established as a craft market in 1974, it is now the center of London's alternative fashion scene, and its clubs and bars are popular with musicians.
Firefighters said the blaze was centered on the Camden Canal Market, where a number of stalls had been destroyed.
