LONDON // A major fire has broken out at Camden Lock Market in London.
Eight fire engines, an aerial ladder and about 60 firefighters were initially sent to the area after the first emergency call at just before midnight on Sunday, London Fire Brigade said. This has been increased to ten fire engines and 70 firefighters.
The public have been told to avoid the area.
It is the fourth-most popular visitor attraction in London, attracting approximately 250,000 people each week. The local area is busy even when the market itself is closed.
An eye-witness, Joan Ribes, 24, said: 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."
There are more than 1,000 shops and stalls at the market, which is well known as a centre of social life for many people in this part of north London. It normally closes at 7pm.
No one has been reported injured.
The market was hit by a devastating fire in 2008, which led to fears for its future and for the hundreds of people who work there.