House fire – Mill Hill

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire affecting a row of terraced houses on Bittacy Hill in Mill Hill.

Garden sheds in three adjoining properties were destroyed by fire and half of a further garden shed was damaged by the blaze. All partitioning fences were also destroyed and four vehicles and the external fittings of three houses were damaged. There were no reports of any injuries.

Two gas cylinders were removed from the fire and cooled to an ambient temperature as a precaution, as some gas cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.

The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took 47 calls to the blaze.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

The Brigade was called at 1934 and the fire was under control by 2054. Fire crews from Finchley, Hendon and Hornsey fire stations attended the scene.

Firefighters' smoking safety tips

• Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
• Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended.
• It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
• Don't balance cigars or cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray, or anything else – they can tip and fall as they burn away and cause a fire.
• Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• Always empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing into a bin – never use a wastepaper basket.