A fire at Kingston’s historic Ancient Market Place has led to further disruption after additional safety concerns forced the market to close again, highlighting the importance of thorough post-fire inspections and effective fire protection measures.
A significant fire broke out at Kingston Market in the early hours of Tuesday 6 October 2026, destroying several market stalls and damaging neighbouring commercial premises.
Four fire engines and approximately 25 firefighters from the London Fire Brigade attended the incident, bringing the blaze under control shortly after 6am. Eight people were evacuated from the surrounding area, with no injuries reported.
The London Fire Brigade subsequently identified a faulty fridge as the cause of the blaze.
Further safety concerns identified
Although unaffected sections of the market initially reopened following investigations by the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police, subsequent inspections identified additional safety concerns.
Kingston Council confirmed that the market would close again from Saturday 10 October until Sunday 18 October to allow remedial works, preparations for the demolition of damaged stalls and site clearance.
The extended closure has created further uncertainty for traders, many of whom have already experienced significant disruption to their businesses.
The council has confirmed that affected stallholders will not be charged pitch fees during the closure, while discussions continue regarding temporary trading arrangements and financial assistance.
Businesses around the perimeter of the market that were unaffected by the fire have been permitted to remain open.
Fire safety doesn’t end when the flames are extinguished
The incident highlights an important consideration in fire safety management: extinguishing a fire does not necessarily mean that a building or public space is immediately safe to reoccupy.
Exposure to flames, heat and smoke can affect structural elements, building services and fire protection measures, sometimes creating hazards that are not immediately apparent.
Fire-resisting walls, floors, doors and other elements of compartmentation may be damaged during a fire, potentially compromising their ability to prevent the spread of flames and smoke in a subsequent incident.
Thorough post-fire inspections are therefore essential to establish the extent of damage, identify any deficiencies and determine what remedial works are required before normal occupation can resume.
Depending on the nature of the incident, these assessments may include:
- Inspecting fire-resisting walls, floors and compartmentation.
- Assessing fire doors, fire stopping and service penetrations.
- Evaluating structural elements exposed to elevated temperatures.
- Checking fire detection, alarm and emergency lighting systems.
- Confirming that escape routes and emergency access arrangements remain suitable.
Although the precise nature of the additional safety concerns at Kingston Market has not been publicly detailed, the extended closure reinforces the importance of a comprehensive approach to post-fire safety.
The importance of passive fire protection
Passive fire protection is a fundamental component of building fire safety, designed to contain fire and smoke, protect escape routes and help maintain structural stability for a specified period.
Unlike active systems, which generally require detection or activation, passive fire protection measures are incorporated into the fabric of a building and are intended to perform without intervention.
However, their effectiveness depends on appropriate design, correct installation, regular inspection and ongoing maintenance.
Following a fire, it is particularly important to establish whether these systems have been damaged or compromised and whether repairs or replacement are necessary.
Failure to identify deficiencies can leave buildings vulnerable to further fire and smoke spread, potentially putting occupants, emergency responders and neighbouring properties at risk.
The consequences can also extend well beyond the immediate incident, with prolonged closures, business interruption, additional costs and reputational damage affecting building owners and occupiers.
Supporting safer buildings
The Kingston Market fire demonstrates why effective fire safety management must continue throughout a building’s lifecycle, including following incidents that may compromise existing protection measures.
At ember, we provide specialist passive fire protection consultancy, inspections and project management support to help clients identify potential deficiencies, manage remedial works and demonstrate compliance with relevant fire safety requirements.
Our approach focuses on ensuring that passive fire protection measures are properly considered, implemented and maintained, supporting safer buildings and greater confidence in their ongoing performance.
Because effective fire safety isn’t simply about responding to an incident; it’s about ensuring that appropriate protection measures are in place before one occurs and remain effective afterwards.
