There were no reports of any injuries after 25 people managed to safely leave the building

Firefighters tackling the blaze in Green Dragon Lane (credit LFB)

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have tackled a fire at a nursery in Winchmore Hill this afternoon (Tuesday 25th).

Half of the first floor and the roof of the building were alight but around 25 people had already left the building safely before the brigade arrived.

The nursery sits on the corner of Green Dragon Lane and Ridge Avenue and the junction remains closed.

Station Commander Darren McTernan, who was at the scene, said: “Thankfully, there are currently no reports of any injuries.

“Crews worked incredibly hard in hot, difficult conditions to bring the fire under control.

“The fire was producing smoke in the local area and while we understand it’s difficult on a warm day like today, we advised people to keep windows and doors closed where possible.

“The junction by Ridge Avenue and Green Dragon Lane remains closed, so please avoid the area. Crews are likely to remain on scene throughout the evening.”

The brigade’s 999 control officers took 15 calls to the blaze. They were first called at 3.25pm and the fire was under control by 5.29pm. Fire crews from Southgate, Edmonton, Enfield and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Update (26th June):

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by self-heating textiles.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “These types of fires often involve textiles that become contaminated with oil, most commonly linseed, massage and cooking oil on tea towels, tablecloths and chef whites. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations of your textiles before washing.

“Sometimes when materials are cleaned and put in tumble dryers, the heat from the tumble drying cannot escape. This can result in a high enough temperature allowing it to build up to a point where it smoulders and eventually ignites.

“If you are washing and then drying on a hot cycle, always use the cooling cycle on the tumble dryer so it cools down and allow the heat to dissipate properly, before stacking laundered items together.”

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