A major blaze has broken out in Burnt Oak, Barnet, with ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackling flames at a row of terraced houses.
Terraced Properties Alight
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said they were called at 16:04 to reports of a fire on Silkstream Road.
The roof and part of the first floor of a mid-terraced house are currently alight, and the roofs of three neighbouring properties have also been damaged by fire.
Huge Response
Control officers received 36 emergency calls about the incident. Crews from Hendon, West Hampstead, Mill Hill, and surrounding fire stations have been mobilised to the scene.
Photos and video from nearby residents show thick smoke rising above Burnt Oak as firefighters work to contain the flames.
Cause Not Yet Known
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. There are no immediate reports of casualties.
The Brigade said firefighters are expected to remain at the scene for several hours, and residents are advised to avoid the area while the response continues.
Evacuations and Smoke Warning
Dozens of residents have been evacuated and are being kept at a safe distance. Locals are urged to keep windows and doors shut due to heavy smoke in the area.
Witness Accounts
Pensioner Deirdre Hackett, 75, who has lived in her end-terrace home for 50 years, described her terror as she and her husband were forced to flee.
“Our neighbour was banging on our door for us to get out. It went up so quickly. We were in a panic. My grandchildren’s school uniforms are in there and 50 years of memories and keepsakes,” she said.
“We don’t know how much damage there is. We will probably sit in the park for the night. We’ve got two chairs – we’ll sit here for the night.”
Another resident wrote on Facebook: “Sad to say that the roofs are collapsing like stacks of dominoes. Shocking.”
Fire Brigade Response
LFB said they received 36 separate emergency calls about the incident. Crews from Hendon, West Hampstead, Mill Hill, and nearby stations are on scene.
There have been no reports of casualties so far, though firefighters are expected to remain for several hours. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Community Impact
Nearby St Alphage Church Hall confirmed their building has not been affected but described the situation as “very close,” with flames behind the park next door.
Photos from the scene show entire roofs collapsed and blackened timbers exposed as firefighters continue to douse hotspots.
