Camden Market fire 2008: 15th anniversary of the blaze which devastated a famous neighbourhood

No one was injured in the 2008 ‘Great Fire of Camden’ but it caused extensive damage to surrounding buildings.
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A fire which started in Camden Market but caused devastation to some nearby buildings took place 15 years ago this week.

More than 100 firefighters attended the scene as flames rose 30ft into the air on February 9, 2008.

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The glow that could be seen from across the city but no Londoners were injured in the blaze.

The biggest cultural damage from the out-of-control fire was the destruction of The Hawley Arms, which has since been restored to its former glory due in part to a fundraising effort.

The north London institution is closely associated with the indie scene of the early 2000s, with both Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty being regulars in its heyday.

It is believed the fire began at one of the stalls in the market, before quickly spreading to nearby buildings.

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Camden Market has since undergone a series of rejuvenations in recent years, as it seeks to modernise to compete with the likes of Street Feast and other outdoor food offerings.

A large fire broke out in the historic Camden Market area on February 9, 2008.  (Picture: Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)A large fire broke out in the historic Camden Market area on February 9, 2008.  (Picture: Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
A large fire broke out in the historic Camden Market area on February 9, 2008. (Picture: Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)

The market has been in operation since it started with just 16 stalls in 1974, and has grown to a widespread selection of more than 1,000 small cafes, bars and retailers.

The area remains a tourist attraction, particularly on weekends, when travellers from all over the world descend on the borough in north London for a slice of its alternative nightlife.