'Violent' fire destroys Paris's oldest covered food market
The Marche Couvert des Enfants Rouges had existed since 1615, and drew its name from the red outfits that orphans wore at a hospital near the market until 1772.
A violent fire engulfed Paris's oldest covered market, Marche Couvert des Enfants Rouges, on Monday morning, destroying the historic building that had stood since 1615. The fire, which started around 3 a.m., rapidly consumed the 1,000 square meter venue, with flames consuming the metal structure and leaving no remnants. The market, renowned for its street food and named after red-clad orphans from a nearby hospital, was ranked fifth globally by Food & Wine magazine this year.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the blaze, using nine hoses, including two high-powered ones, to bring the fire under control by early morning. The mayor of the central Paris district, Ariel Weil, assured that no neighboring buildings were affected, and authorities were working to secure temporary locations for the impacted businesses to continue their operations. However, the structural damage was severe, as the market's metal framework had partially collapsed.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities emphasizing that the incident, which began in the early hours of Monday, was contained and would not spread further. Despite the devastating loss to this centuries-old landmark, plans are in place to preserve the market's legacy in a different location within the city.
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