HALLOWEEN shoppers were evacuated from an indoor market after a blaze started, less than two hours before a planned fire drill.
It is believed the fire was caused by a pumpkin lantern used to decorate Darlington Indoor Market, in the town centre.
Council officers and managers at the market praised staff and shoppers for their quick response to the emergency.
The hall was evacuated in four minutes and the fire brigade was called.
No-one was hurt and there was minimal damage caused to the indoor market.
A council spokeswoman said a fire practice had been planned for Thursday afternoon, 90 minutes before the fire started.
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