HARRISBURG, Pa. — A fast-moving fire severely damaged an historic market building in Pennsylvania’s capital city early Monday, but no injuries were reported in the blaze.
The fire at the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg was reported about 1 a.m. but was brought under control a short time later. The site housed a stone building and a brick building that had stood for about 145 years, but the brick building was the only one damaged. Part of that structure was destroyed, but city officials said they are hopeful it can be rebuilt.
Authorities believe no one was in the building when the fire broke out, and the cause remains under investigation. It is believed to be the oldest continuously operated market house in the United States.
Harrisburg and other small cities scattered across central Pennsylvania have a long tradition of brick-and-mortar central market houses, where produce from local farms is alongside baked goods, prepared foods, artwork, craft beer and a variety of other things for sale. The Broad Street Market, about four blocks from the state Capitol, had in recent years bounced back from decay to become a thriving cultural and community spot.
