170-year-old historic marketplace reduced to rubble in massive fire

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — A beloved icon in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was destroyed after an early morning fire, taking with it nearly 170 years of history. Flames engulfed the Broad Street Market destroying one of the two buildings and leaving a community to grieve.

“It was more than a market, it was more than a store, it was really something that kept the community together and that is why everyone is out trying to do everything that they can to try and help those who have businesses. We want to get back to them because they have given back to us over the years,” said neighbor Kurt Knaus.

Catastrophic is the best way to describe the damage left behind by an early morning fire at the Broad Street Market. Community members went to take a look at the mess left behind by the raging inferno in the hours after it happened. Forty vendors and almost two centuries of history in Harrisburg went up in smoke. Despite the pain, people are coming together to vow to rebuild this landmark.

"It's more than just a job for them, this is part of who they are. So, to lose it so suddenly, it's got to be heartbreaking,” said vendor Charles Pierce.

An unbelievable amount of flames poured through the brick building at the Broad Street Market around 1 a.m. By the time fire crews arrived, the flames were just too far advanced to make an interior attack. Despite efforts from the outside, the flames destroyed most of the historical venue.

Opened in 1860, the Broad Street Market is part of the fabric of the community. Encompassing two buildings, the structure with the most damage was built between 1874 and 1878, according to the market’s website.

Inside, over three dozen vendors sold mostly food. But more than just a market, this place served as a community spot for people to gather. Midtown without the market is almost too much to bear.

"Complete shock. It's traumatic. It’s devastating. This is like losing a relative who has been around for a very long time, like a great- grandmother. The heart and soul of Midtown,” said Vivian Sterstebrandler, neighbor.

An aerial view from WHP's Skyview 21 shows the extent of the damage to the building. While the walls are still standing, half of the roof caved in and the other half is barely holding on to its integrity. Because of the ferocity of the flames and the worry of a roof collapse, firefighters were never able to enter the building.

Amazingly, despite all of the damage, no one was hurt. The market was open yesterday but was scheduled to be closed until Thursday.

Now, the owners are trying to determine the next step.

As of right now, investigators are surveying the damage, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation

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