Around 100 firefighters are tackling a major blaze at a supermarket with flats above it in Golders Green.
The London Fire Brigade said it received the first of 56 calls shortly after 6.45am on Wednesday to the three-storey building on Golders Green Road in Golders Green.
Fifteen fire engines from stations including Willesden, Finchley and West Hampstead remain at the scene as crews work to bring the fire under control.
The brigade said the fire is producing a significant amount of smoke and has advised people living nearby to keep windows and doors shut.
Dramatic footage shared on social media shows the extent of the blaze, with large flames and thick smoke seen coming from the building.
A number of road closures are in place around Golders Green Road near the junction with Beverley Gardens.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Speaking from the scene, Assistant Commissioner Craig Carter said: “This morning, just before 0700, we were called to a fire on Golders Green Road.
“Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been tackling the fire at its height, which has affected a ground floor shop and a storage area to the rear, which has partially collapsed. The flats above have not been affected by the fire, however residents from those flats have been safely evacuated as a precaution and a rest centre has been set up nearby. There are currently no reports of any injuries.
“The fire has been producing a significant amount of smoke, and we continue to advise people in the area to keep their windows and doors shut at this time, whilst firefighters work to fully extinguish the fire.
“Our specialist Fire Investigators, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police Service, have worked at pace to establish that the circumstances of the fire are not believed to be suspicious and investigations on the cause and origin of the fire are ongoing.
“Several road closures are in place, including on Golders Green Road and several side streets. Disruption in the area can be expected throughout the day; however we are working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to reduce the size of the cordon where we can.
“One of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders is being used at the scene as a water tower to help fight the fire from above. A second 32-metre turntable ladder is being used as an observation tower to provide the Incident Commander with an aerial view of the fire. Drones have been deployed to survey the incident from above, providing live thermal images
“I know that this fire will have caused concern both for those in Golders Green and the wider community, and our Community Engagement Team are here this morning providing support and reassurance to displaced residents and those who live and work nearby.
“I want to thank our crews for their continued hard work, and our partners in the Metropolitan Police Service, London Ambulance Service, Hatzolah, Community Security Trust and the local community who have supported us on scene.”
12:30pm – The Met Police have issued a statement confirming the fire is being treated as non-suspicious.
In a statement the force said, “At around 07:00hrs on Wednesday, 27 May, police were called by the London Fire Brigade, who were responding to the fire on Golders Green Road, Barnet.
“Officers attended and worked closely alongside firefighters, assisting with road closures and evacuations to ensure public safety. There was damage to the property but, fortunately, no injuries were reported.
“Following further enquiries alongside the LFB, the fire is not being treated as suspicious and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.
“We understand the concern and disruption this incident will have caused to the local community and those living and working in the area. We would like to reassure residents that there is no indication of any targeted or deliberate act.
“Officers remain in the area to provide reassurance and will continue to work in partnership with the LFB and local authority. Anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to local officers.”
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