Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers were called to a flat fire on Friern Barnet Road this afternoon.
The roof space of a flat above shops and dwelling was damaged by the fire.
The occupier of the flat noticed the smoke and left the building, then called the Brigade. Other occupants left the property before the arrival of the Brigade, and thankfully no one was injured.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, due to careless disposal of cigarettes. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said:
“There are around three fires a day in London linked to smoking and half of accidental fire deaths are related to careless disposal of cigarettes. It’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire that could destroy not only your home, but also your life.”
The Brigade was called at 1548 and the fire was under control by 1659. Fire crews from Southgate, Finchley and Hornsey fire stations attended the scene.