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Blaze shuts famous markets area Blaze shuts famous markets area
(about 1 hour later)
Police are warning people to avoid parts of Camden, north London, after a fire ravaged the world famous markets area on Saturday.Police are warning people to avoid parts of Camden, north London, after a fire ravaged the world famous markets area on Saturday.
Surrounding roads are expected to stay closed for several days as damage is assessed in Camden Canal Market.Surrounding roads are expected to stay closed for several days as damage is assessed in Camden Canal Market.
Some 100 firefighters tackled the blaze, which severely damaged storage buildings and the Hawley Arms pub.Some 100 firefighters tackled the blaze, which severely damaged storage buildings and the Hawley Arms pub.
Six people, including three children, spent the night at a sports centre after homes were evacuated.Six people, including three children, spent the night at a sports centre after homes were evacuated.
Camden Council said 100 beds were made available for people at the sports centre, and about 20-odd who initially turned up were found overnight accommodation at hotels.Camden Council said 100 beds were made available for people at the sports centre, and about 20-odd who initially turned up were found overnight accommodation at hotels.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Chalk Farm Road and parts of Camden High Street, as well as surrounding one way streets, are expected to be closed for the next three or four days."A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Chalk Farm Road and parts of Camden High Street, as well as surrounding one way streets, are expected to be closed for the next three or four days."
It's very sad. It's a well-known party area Billy Reeves Eyewitness accounts of blazeIt's very sad. It's a well-known party area Billy Reeves Eyewitness accounts of blaze
The closures are to allow structural engineers to assess the damage to buildings.The closures are to allow structural engineers to assess the damage to buildings.
The markets area is a major tourist attraction attracting up to 300,000 visitors each weekend to its six open-air and indoor markets and vibrant mix of bars, clubs, shops and restaurants.The markets area is a major tourist attraction attracting up to 300,000 visitors each weekend to its six open-air and indoor markets and vibrant mix of bars, clubs, shops and restaurants.
London Fire Brigade said there were no reports of casualties.London Fire Brigade said there were no reports of casualties.
LFB station manager Guy Foster said: "I have had no reports of any casualties, injuries or rescues and I believe that all people who were in the area at the time of the fire are now accounted for.LFB station manager Guy Foster said: "I have had no reports of any casualties, injuries or rescues and I believe that all people who were in the area at the time of the fire are now accounted for.
"When firefighters arrived they found an intense fire and they have done incredibly well to get it under control so quickly."When firefighters arrived they found an intense fire and they have done incredibly well to get it under control so quickly.
"The decision was taken to clear a large area around the fire because we believed there were propane gas canisters in some of the market stalls."The decision was taken to clear a large area around the fire because we believed there were propane gas canisters in some of the market stalls.
"The police had to carry out a large operation to clear what is a very busy area on a Saturday night and they have done an excellent job to enable us to fight the fire effectively."The police had to carry out a large operation to clear what is a very busy area on a Saturday night and they have done an excellent job to enable us to fight the fire effectively.
"Fire investigators are already on the scene but it is far too early to make any guesses about what might have started the fire.""Fire investigators are already on the scene but it is far too early to make any guesses about what might have started the fire."
Residents had also been evacuated from some houses and flats.Residents had also been evacuated from some houses and flats.
A spokeswoman for Camden Council said: "We have opened Talacre Sports Centre as a rest centre for those who have been evacuated from their homes and beds and refreshments have been made available."A spokeswoman for Camden Council said: "We have opened Talacre Sports Centre as a rest centre for those who have been evacuated from their homes and beds and refreshments have been made available."
She also said the centre, which has 100 beds available, would be kept open for "as long as it is needed".She also said the centre, which has 100 beds available, would be kept open for "as long as it is needed".
Evacuees are being advised to call the council's emergency line on 0207 974 4444 for the latest information on rehousing.Evacuees are being advised to call the council's emergency line on 0207 974 4444 for the latest information on rehousing.
Camden Council is organising a meeting to help businesses affected by the fire on Sunday. Details will be posted on the council's website.Camden Council is organising a meeting to help businesses affected by the fire on Sunday. Details will be posted on the council's website.
Firefighters were alerted at about 7.20pm on Saturday to the blaze, which has reportedly consumed part of the Hawley Arms, a popular Camden pub which is frequented by celebrities including singer Amy Winehouse. Firefighters were alerted at about 1920 GMT on Saturday to the blaze, which has reportedly consumed part of the Hawley Arms, a popular Camden pub which is frequented by celebrities including singer Amy Winehouse.
Revellers from local pubs and bars were moved away from the danger area, where flames were leaping up to 30ft in the air.Revellers from local pubs and bars were moved away from the danger area, where flames were leaping up to 30ft in the air.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, said: "Our thoughts are with those people affected by the fire in Camden Market - one of the most thriving markets in London and of enormous importance for the economy of the local area and beyond."Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, said: "Our thoughts are with those people affected by the fire in Camden Market - one of the most thriving markets in London and of enormous importance for the economy of the local area and beyond."
In pictures: Camden fireShock as Camden burnsIn pictures: Camden fireShock as Camden burns
Conservative mayoral candidate Boris Johnson said: "This will come as a terrible blow to their livelihoods and the area generally. My thoughts are with the traders, local residents and the emergency services who are, as usual, performing brilliantly under pressure."Conservative mayoral candidate Boris Johnson said: "This will come as a terrible blow to their livelihoods and the area generally. My thoughts are with the traders, local residents and the emergency services who are, as usual, performing brilliantly under pressure."
London Ambulance Service said it had sent ambulances and a hazardous response team to the scene.London Ambulance Service said it had sent ambulances and a hazardous response team to the scene.
Seth Owuadey, 48, who lives in Kentish Town, was in a bar opposite the Hawley Arms and saw the first flames as they grew stronger.Seth Owuadey, 48, who lives in Kentish Town, was in a bar opposite the Hawley Arms and saw the first flames as they grew stronger.
"A fire engine arrived but it took about 40 minutes for more to come, even though by then the flames were the height of a house."A fire engine arrived but it took about 40 minutes for more to come, even though by then the flames were the height of a house.
"We thought it started in the Hawley Arms, but it started in an alleyway behind there.""We thought it started in the Hawley Arms, but it started in an alleyway behind there."


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