Shed blaze - Palmers Green

Stray embers from a charcoal barbecue is believed to be the cause of a shed blaze on North Circular Road in Palmers Green. 

Brigade Control took twenty-four 999 calls to the fire. The blaze destroyed a garden shed and spread to a number of fence panels. 

There were a number of gas cylinders involved in the fire. As a precaution around 10 residents were evacuated from surrounding properties as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat. The cylinders were removed and cooled. 

Over 25 per cent of fires caused by barbecues last year involved external structures, which usually means barbecues being placed too close to things like garden sheds and fences. 

Firefighters’ tips for barbecuing safely 

• Never use a barbecue – including disposables – indoors or on your balcony. 
• Be careful where you position your barbecue – we suggest on level ground, well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees, or tents. 
• Don't use petrol, paraffin, or any flammable liquids on your barbecue – firelighters are a much safer option. 
• Think twice and take extra care if you’re thinking of having barbecues in parks and public spaces. 
• Never leave barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them. 
• Disposable barbecues that have been discarded and abandoned can still end up causing a fire as they will continue to retain heat after use – they need to be put right out and cooled before being thrown away. 
• If you’re using a gas barbecue, change the gas cylinder outdoors and make sure you turn off all controls and valves. 

The Brigade was called at 2051 and the fire is under control by 2224. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Southgate, Hornsey and Edmonton fire stations attended the scene.