Paris: Fire destroys the city's oldest covered market
The Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Marais had stood since 1615. After an overnight blaze, nothing of the market hall remains, the fire brigade said.
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A major fire overnight into Monday destroyed the Marché des Enfants Rouges in Paris, the city's oldest covered food market. The blaze was reported at around 3 a.m. "Nothing remains of the covered market," fire brigade Lt. Col. Pierre de Bouvier said, adding that its metal structure had partially collapsed. Nine hoses were needed to bring the fire under control, ABC News reported. Neighbouring buildings were spared, according to district mayor Ariel Weil.
The market of some 1,000 square metres in the Marais district had existed since 1615 and was listed as a historical monument in 1982. It takes its name from the red clothing worn by orphans at a nearby hospital until 1772. Food & Wine magazine this year ranked it fifth worldwide for street food.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and an investigation has been opened. Authorities plan to find temporary locations for the affected traders.