A rest centre was opened as emergency services responded to a major fire in Mill Hill overnight. The blaze broke out in a range of commercial properties with flats above on Watford Way, leading to road closures and evacuations.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said, “Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters responded to an incident on Watford Way, Mill Hill.
“The fire was located in a range of commercial properties with flats above. One of the Brigade’s 32m ladders was deployed to the scene as part of our response.
“Part of the nearby A1 was closed in both directions as crews responded.
“The Brigade received the first of 13 calls reporting the fire at 0046, and Control Officers mobilised crews from Mill Hill, Hendon, Finchley and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The incident was under control by 0316.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
Barnet Council confirmed its response, stating, “The council’s Emergency On-Call Response Team has been managing a major fire incident throughout the night, affecting properties at 418-430 Watford Way. Consequently, the A1 Watford Way (Barnet By-Pass) was closed in both directions due to fire service activities from Fiveways Corner to A5100 The Broadway (Mill Hill Circus). The roads have now been reopened.
“The council has been assisting the Emergency Services and has also deployed a Structural Engineer.
“We have opened the council buildings at 2 Bristol Avenue as an Emergency Rest Centre, supported by a Rest Centre Manager and a Senior Humanitarian Officer. So far, eighteen people have been brought over for temporary shelter while their properties are being assessed.
“The London Fire Brigade and the Met Police remain at the scene, with investigations ongoing.”
The full extent of the damage is yet to be confirmed, and authorities continue to work on assessing the affected buildings.
