Chester Market evacuated after chilli fumes affect customers

Chester fire and rescue service was called after fumes from the cooking of a large quantity of chilli oil caused concern. Photograph: John Mitchell/Alamy

A market in Chester was evacuated on Saturday because of fumes caused by a stall-holder “cooking a large amount of chillies”.

Chester fire and rescue service said vapour from the cooking of a large quantity of chilli oil had entered the market’s ventilation system.

Chester fire station posted on X: “Emergency services are at Chester Market after reports of customers being affected by fumes.

“This was due to cooking a large amount of chillies and there are no wider public health concerns. The market has been evacuated but we are working to get it back to normal asap.”

Emergency services are at Chester Market after reports of customers being affected by fumes. This was due to the cooking of a large amount of chillies and there are no wider public health concerns.

The market has been evacuated but we are working to get it back to normal asap. pic.twitter.com/t07a2vcRZ9

— Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (@CheshireFire) January 27, 2024

Cheshire fire and rescue service said in a statement: “Firefighters were called to reports of fumes affecting customers in Chester Market.”

Five fire engines were sent to the location on Hunter Street in the city centre it said, adding: “A cordon was established around the market as a precaution and to help emergency services move unimpeded around the site.

“Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus conducted a thorough search of the premises but there was no sign of fire or smoke.

“Crews coordinated the evacuation of the market while an investigation into the cause of the fumes continued.”

Some commenters on X saw the funny side. “Chester Market evacuated for the same reason that my own kitchen often is,” one user said.

Chester Market moved to a purpose-built market hall in 2022 with hopes of becoming a “modern traditional market” along the lines of London’s Borough Market, offering a blend of food stalls and produce.

This is the second time the market has been forced to close since it relocated. The market shut for two weeks in March last year after a gas explosion seriously injured three people.