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 the famous market area in Camden Town, north London.
The fire is reportedly centred on Camden Canal Market, to the east of Chalk Farm Road.
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.
Police have closed off the length of Camden High Street from the Tube station further up the road to the Stables Market.
Police have closed off the length of Camden High Street from the Tube station further up the road to the Stables Market.
Station manager Guy Foster said the fire was centred around Camden Canal Market, where a number of market stalls had caught fire.
Station manager Guy Foster said the fire was centred around Camden Canal Market, where a number of market stalls had caught fire.
He said the train line between Camden Road and Kentish Town West had been shut down.
He said the train line between Camden Road and Kentish Town West had been shut down.
Residents have also been evacuated from some houses and flats.
Residents have also been evacuated from some houses and flats.
Water jets
Water jets
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.
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.
There were unconfirmed reports that some people were trapped, but London Fire Brigade spokesman Nick Comery said he had heard nothing to support that.
This will come as a terrible blow to their livelihoods and the area generally. Tory mayoral candidate Boris Johnson
This will come as a terrible blow to their livelihoods and the area generally. Tory mayoral candidate Boris Johnson
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.
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 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."
"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.
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.
'Shooting flames'
'Shooting flames'
Twenty fire appliances and about 100 firefighters are in attendance.
Twenty fire appliances and about 100 firefighters are in attendance.
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 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....and the railway bridge has been pretty well scorched."
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....and the railway bridge has been pretty well scorched."
John Fearnley from nearby Kentish Town said of the blaze: "It's definitely getting bigger. I think that it's spread to a neighbouring building."
John Fearnley from nearby Kentish Town said of the blaze: "It's definitely getting bigger. I think that it's spread to a neighbouring building."
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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