Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters and officers were called to a large fire at a builders' merchant in Brent Park Road, Brent Cross yesterday afternoon. Two aerial appliances were also at the scene to help tackle the blaze from above. Firefighters remain at the scene damping down pockets of fire.
A wood working workshop measuring around 100 metres by 20 metres was badly damaged by the fire.
Station Manager Stephen-Remell Coleman who was at the scene said:
"This was a large, challenging fire and crews worked extremely hard to bring it under control as quickly as possible. Around three quarters of the workshop was affected and at its height the fire was producing a considerable amount of smoke so we advised people living and working in the area to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution. Crews will now remain at the scene for some time damping down the fire."
The train line between Hendon and Cricklewood was affected by the incident, impacting on East Midlands and Thameslink train services. The M1 was also been affected. Motorists and train commuters were advised to check travel updates.
Station Manager Coleman added: "The Brigade worked closely with its partners in the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, the rail network, train companies and Transport for London to bring this incident to a close."
The Brigade's 999 control officers took more than 20 calls to the fire.
The Brigade was called at 1545 and the fire was under control by 2024. Fire crews from Hendon, Stanmore, West Hampstead, Hornsey, Wembley, North Kensington, Willesden and Barnet fire stations are at the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.