Up to 100 firefighters are tackling a major blaze that is spreading rapidly through London's famous Camden Market.
Up to 100 firefighters are tackling a major blaze that is spreading rapidly through London's famous Camden Market.
There are no reports of casualties so far but London Fire Brigade said people were reported trapped in the fire.
There are no reports of casualties so far but London Fire Brigade said people were reported trapped in the fire.
Firefighters were alerted at about 7.20pm to a blaze at the north side of the market, on Chalk Farm Road.
Firefighters were alerted at about 7.20pm to a blaze at the north side of the market, on Chalk Farm Road.
Police have sealed off roads near the blaze and some houses and flats are being evacuated.
Police have sealed off roads near the blaze and some houses and flats are being evacuated.
Reports from the scene say the fire is spreading quickly and has consumed part of the Hawley Arms, a popular Camden pub which is frequented by celebrities including singer Amy Winehouse.
Reports from the scene say the fire is spreading quickly and has consumed part of the Hawley Arms, a popular Camden pub which is frequented by celebrities including singer Amy Winehouse.
More than ten jets of water are being trained on the flames.
There were unconfirmed reports that some people were trapped, but London Fire Brigade spokesman Nick Comery said he had heard nothing to support that.
He told BBC News 24: "It's an ongoing job and we are doing our best to bring it under control and to stop it spreading.
"It involves currently some market storage properties, shops and dwellings.
"It is a large area that is involved. It is a severe fire, there is a lot of smoke going up into the sky."
BBC News reporter James Cooke said the fire appeared to have broken out in a row of shops.
Revellers from local pubs and bars have been moved away from the danger area, where flames are leaping up to 30ft in the air.
Revellers from local pubs and bars have been moved away from the danger area, where flames are leaping up to 30ft in the air.
Crowds have been dispersed because of fears there may be gas canisters within the area.
Crowds have been dispersed because of fears there may be gas canisters within the area.
Twenty fire appliances and about 100 firefighters are in attendance.
Twenty fire appliances and about 100 firefighters are in attendance.
'Shooting flames'
'Shooting flames'
London Ambulance Service said it has ambulances and a hazardous response team at the scene.
London Ambulance Service said it has ambulances and a hazardous response team at the scene.
Onlooker Eric Braun, who lives in the area, said: "The back of the Hawley Arms...is well on fire."
Onlooker Eric Braun, who lives in the area, said: "The back of the Hawley Arms...is well on fire."
He added: "The flames are not shooting up nearly as high as before but a lot of the market is burned. But there are still ferocious flames.
He added: "The flames are not shooting up nearly as high as before but a lot of the market is burned. But there are still ferocious flames.
"The fire has jumped over the Silverlink railway and the railway bridge has been pretty well scorched."
"The fire has jumped over the Silverlink railway and the railway bridge has been pretty well scorched."
Camden Town 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.
Camden Town 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.
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