The Atwater Market has reopened following an early morning fire at one of the food stands attached to the exterior of the building.
The structure is a temporary extension to the market during the winter months, built with removable walls and awning.
Firefighters were called to the scene at 3:30 a.m. on Friday.
Martin Farmer, chief of operations for the Montreal fire department, said flames and smoke could be seen jutting from the side of the building.
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No one was injured, but damages are estimated at around $50,000.
Farmer said the building’s sprinkler system did its job, helping limit the spread of fire.
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However, heavy smoke did make its way inside the market. Industrial fans are being used to aerate the building.
Farmer said the market would be closed Friday to allow government food inspectors to ensure none of the products was tainted by possible contaminants.
Luc Beauparlant, director of development for Montreal’s public markets corporation, said he expects stores on the second floor will reopen quickly, but boutiques on the first floor, where the fire originated will be closed for a longer period.
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By noon on Friday, the market was back to business as usual, save for the stalls directly affected by the fire.
The cause of the blaze is still under investigation, but Farmer said it does not appear to be criminal.
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