In the early hours of Monday, October 12th, a devastating fire broke out at the historic indoor food market in Paris, known as the Marché des Enfants-Rouges, which has a history spanning over four centuries. Thankfully, there were no major casualties reported as a result of the fire.
According to various media reports, the fire started around 3 a.m. on Monday and quickly spread within the market that covers approximately 1000 square meters. It took more than an hour for the fire department to receive the alert, after which over 150 firefighters, 50 fire trucks, and 9 water hoses were deployed to combat the blaze. After more than two hours of intense firefighting efforts, the fire was successfully brought under control. The surrounding residential buildings were unharmed, and aside from one person feeling unwell at the scene, no major injuries or casualties were reported.
The Mayor of the central district of Paris, Ariel Weil, took to social media to announce that while the fire was brought under control early in the morning, the entire market had been “completely destroyed” by the flames. Local media reports indicated that the market structure was completely razed, with metal frameworks collapsed, all 17 stalls engulfed in flames, and only charred metal and wood materials, deformed steel beams and columns, and rubble left at the site.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and French authorities have launched a further investigation into the incident.
The Marché des Enfants-Rouges was established in 1615 and is located in the famous Le Marais district of Paris. It is the oldest covered food market still in existence in Paris and was designated as a historical monument in France in 1982. Not only was it a daily shopping spot for Parisians, but it was also a cultural gastronomic landmark where various world cuisines, such as Moroccan, Japanese, and Lebanese street food, converged. This year, it was even ranked the 5th best global street food destination by Food & Wine magazine. The market’s name originates from the red clothing worn by the children of a nearby 16th-century orphanage.
In the 1990s, the market faced the threat of demolition due to dilapidation and almost became a parking lot. However, thanks to protests led by local residents and merchants, it was saved and reopened in 2000. The recent fire has left countless Parisians and tourists shocked and saddened by the loss of this beloved cultural and culinary hub.