Faulty fridge is thought to have started fire that destroyed stalls at Kingston's 800-year-old market

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

A refrigerator with a faulty electrical component is thought to have ignited the blaze that tore through Kingston's Ancient Market in south-west London at around 4.30am on Tuesday, destroying multiple stalls and damaging nearby shops including Lush and Greggs. London Fire Brigade says the suspected appliance "requires further verification" by an electrical testing firm, while both the LFB and Metropolitan Police have ruled the fire accidental with no suspicious circumstances. Kingston Council leader Andreas Kirsch says safety work is under way and some undamaged stalls have already resumed trading. Workers are on site beginning repairs, though locals fear the market may not fully recover in time for Christmas.

Residents living above the market — eight in total — had to be evacuated during the blaze, and one said he was woken by heat and an orange glow around his curtains.

The fire has raised fears among traders and locals about lost earnings in the run-up to Christmas, with one worker calling the market 'the heart of Kingston'.

A sweeping redevelopment of the market — incorporating a central piazza, restaurant and roof terrace — was submitted for planning approval in January, and a council decision is still pending.