Camden could be closed off for days following fire

Parts of Camden could be closed for days as authorities begin to pick up the pieces after the fire which tore through the area last night.

Up to 100 firefighters were at the scene yesterday evening (February 9), and although there have been no injuries reported, parts of the area will be cordoned off for most of next week so investigators can assess structural damage, reports the BBC.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Chalk Farm Road and parts of Camden High Street as well as surrounding one-way streets, are expected to be closed for the next three or four days."

It is not known exactly how this will affect nearby music venues like the Barfly, although tonight's show by The Blackout at the Electric Ballroom is going ahead as planned.

Meanwhile authorities have praised the action of the firefighters who tackled the blaze. London Fire Brigade station manager Guy Foster said: "When firefighters arrived they found an intense fire and they have done incredibly well to get it under control so quickly."

"The decision was taken to clear a large area around the fire because we believed there were propane gas canisters in some of the market stalls. The police had to carry out a large operation to clear what is a very busy area on a Saturday night and they have done an excellent job to enable us to fight the fire effectively."

Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London said: "Our thoughts are with those people affected by the fire in Camden Market - one of the most thriving markets in London and of enormous importance for the economy of the local area and beyond."