A fierce fire erupted at Melbourne's beloved Queen Victoria Market in the early hours of Thursday, sending plumes of thick, black smoke billowing over the city's skyline and drawing a massive emergency response.
More than 100 firefighters were deployed to combat the intense blaze, which took hold in the market's popular dairy produce hall. Dramatic footage captured by witnesses and emergency services showed flames roaring through the roof of the historic building as firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the inferno.
Emergency crews received the first calls just after 3:15 am, with multiple fire trucks and appliances rushing to the scene on Queen Street. Fire Rescue Victoria confirmed that the fire started within the void of the roof space in a single-storey brick building, making it particularly challenging to access and extinguish.
Market's History Under Threat
The affected section, part of the market's traditional produce area, is a cornerstone of the 145-year-old institution. Firefighters conducted an internal attack to save as much of the structure and its contents as possible, but significant damage is expected.
Authorities have confirmed that there have been no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire is not yet known and will be the subject of a thorough investigation once the site is declared safe.
Community Reaction and Impact
The news has sent shockwaves through the local community and traders. The Queen Victoria Market is not only a major tourist attraction but a vital working market for hundreds of small businesses. The full extent of the damage and the impact on traders will be assessed in the coming days.
Fire Rescue Victoria officials stated that crews are likely to remain on site throughout the day to fully extinguish any remaining hot spots and ensure the structural safety of the area.
