Fire damages Kingston Market stalls, Christmas event planned

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 8 Oct, 16:55 · Archive

A fire that broke out early on Tuesday at Kingston Market in London destroyed several stalls and damaged nearby businesses.

A fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, October 6, at Kingston Market, destroying several stalls and causing significant damage to nearby businesses including Lush, Greggs and Hotter. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended the scene. Eight people were evacuated from the area, but there were no reports of injuries.

Investigations by the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade have concluded. Specialist scene investigators found no indication of criminal activity. The fire is believed to have started in a fridge with an electrical fault. Kingston Council cordoned off Market Place, though this has since been reduced to minimise disruption.

Some traders remain unable to operate as normal, with the full extent of damage and reopening timescale for affected stalls not yet confirmed. However, the market's hot food section remains open, with businesses such as Chilli Cha Cha and Rooster Run continuing to trade. Some offer delivery through platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Stalls that escaped damage have already resumed trading.

Kingston Council leader Andreas Kirsch said the council was working to get the site safe and support traders to return to work. A council spokesperson said the renowned Christmas Market is expected to open next month as planned. The council is working with market operator Between the Bridges to explore support options for affected traders, with clean-up operations to begin once the area is deemed secure.

How it is being reported

• What happens next to Kingston’s Christmas Market after fire tears through stallsKingston has revealed what comes next after a fire damaged part of its historic market.This Is Local London · 8 Oct, 15:28
• What happens next to Kingston’s Christmas Market after fire tears through stallsKingston has revealed what comes next after a fire damaged part of its historic market.Croydon Guardian · 8 Oct, 15:28
• Londoners urged to support Kingston Market after devastating fireKingston Market traders are urging Londoners to continue shopping locally after a fire damaged stalls and nearby businesses.This Is Local London · 8 Oct, 11:21

In this story: Kingston Market · Kingston Council · London Fire Brigade · Metropolitan Police · Andreas Kirsch · Between the Bridges · London

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