An early-morning Kingston Upon Thames market fire has destroyed a range of market stalls and damaged neighbouring properties on Market Place, with 25 firefighters attending the scene from 04:33 today. Eight people were evacuated safely and the fire was extinguished by 06:08, but the market area remains closed while investigators determine the cause. If you regularly shop at Kingston market or travel through the town centre, you’ll need alternative routes and suppliers until the site reopens.
London Fire Brigade crews from Kingston, Surbiton and New Malden tackled the blaze after control officers received the first of six emergency calls just after half past four this morning.
What happened at the market
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters responded to the fire on Market Place.
The blaze destroyed multiple market stalls and spread to the fascia of a range of properties, also affecting a small part of one neighbouring roof. The Metropolitan Police Service evacuated eight people from the immediate area as a precaution. No injuries have been reported, and the fire was brought under control within ninety minutes of the first call. Crews from Kingston, Surbiton, New Malden and surrounding stations worked to contain the damage and prevent the fire spreading further through the historic market area.
The cause remains under investigation, though firefighters successfully prevented what could have been far more extensive damage to the surrounding properties.
Impact on travel and shopping
Market Place will remain closed while fire investigators work.
If you normally use the Kingston market for fresh produce, household goods or specialty items, you’ll need to make alternative arrangements until the site reopens. The closure may also affect traffic flow through Kingston town centre, particularly during peak hours when Market Place serves as a key route. Richmond residents who regularly cross the borough boundary to shop in Kingston should consider timing their visits once access is restored, or using alternative suppliers closer to home in the meantime. Local businesses surrounding the market may also experience disruption while cleanup and investigation work continues.
Check Kingston Council's website or social media channels for updates on when normal market operations will resume.
What this means for you
If you shop at Kingston market regularly, now is the time to identify backup sources for your usual purchases, particularly for fresh food and specialty goods. Richmond’s own farmers’ markets continue as normal: Heron Square on Saturdays and Paved Court (off Richmond Green) on Saturdays also offer local produce and artisan products. For those who travel through Kingston town centre as part of your regular route, consider alternative roads until Market Place fully reopens. Monitor Kingston Council’s official channels for the latest information on site access and market resumption dates.
The swift response from fire crews prevented injuries and contained what could have been far more serious damage to Kingston’s historic market area. Richmond residents who rely on the market now have time to arrange alternatives while the investigation and cleanup proceed.
Frequently asked questions
When will Kingston market reopen?
- No reopening date has been announced yet. The market will remain closed while fire investigators determine the cause and the site is made safe. Check Kingston Council’s website for official updates on when normal market operations will resume.
Were there any injuries in the fire?
- No injuries have been reported. Eight people were evacuated from the area by police as a precaution, and all are safe. The fire was brought under control by 06:08.
What alternative markets are available near Richmond?
- Richmond’s own farmers’ markets continue as normal at Heron Square on Saturdays and Paved Court off Richmond Green, also on Saturdays. Both offer fresh produce, artisan goods and specialty items similar to what you might find at Kingston market.
Will traffic be affected around Kingston town centre?
- Market Place may be closed or restricted while investigation and cleanup work continues, which could affect your usual routes through Kingston. Consider alternative roads if you regularly travel through the area, and allow extra time during peak hours.
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