Camden Market Fire - Eyewitness account
I could see the glow in the distance from Swiss Cottage. The flames shot up into the air and as I ran down Chalk Farm Road, the road was being showered in sparks and ash. I stood on Hawley Street with other witnesses, held back by Police, my mouth gawping open.
The Camden market fire raged on my doorstep, and the firefighters had tea breaks below by balcony. No one was hurt. But people's homes have been burned and livelihoods shattered. And a piece of history has been lost forever.
One man said he thought the Police were worried that the sparks would set off an explosion in the petrol station nearby.
I saw smoke coming out of the Hawley Arms, but those round me said it was simply the heat from the fire nearby that was causing it. Then I saw flames lick up in side and a glow from the shadowed windows. The Police began pushing the crowd back, further and further. The area became off limits. I raced in my doorway and watched as the Hawley Arms became engulfed in fire.
The firefighters battled bravely, taking their hoses as close as possible and dousing the flames at all costs. After five hours of fighting, they have brought the fire under control. Emergency workers were fed and looked after by a Salvation Army van from up the street. The area around my house is still cordoned off to pedestrians.
This has been a devastating night for Camden Town.
