Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a commercial property in Golders Green, north London.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received 59 reports of a fire on Golders Green Road at around 6.47am on Wednesday, which appears to have started behind Jewish supermarket Kosher Kingdom.
As of 12.30pm on Wednesday, LFB said the fire has affected the ground floor shop and partially collapsed a storage area but had not affected the flats above, from where the residents had been safely evacuated.
There have been no reports of any injuries.
Speaking at the scene, assistant commissioner Craig Carter said: “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.”
Some 15 fire engines and 100 firefighters from surrounding areas, including Finchley, Willesden and West Hampstead, were dispatched, the brigade added.
One of LFB’s 32-metre turntable ladders is being used as a water tower while a second 32-metre turntable is being used as an observation platform to provide an aerial view. Drones have also been deployed to provide live thermal images.
A number of road closures are in place, including on Golders Green Road near the junction with Beverley Gardens.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the fire is not being treated as suspicious.
Firefighters at the scene of the blaze (Aaron Chown/PA)
(Aaron Chown)
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Following further inquiries 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.”
Mr Carter added: “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, Hatzola, Community Security Trust and the local community who have supported us on scene.”
