A local station commander has called on Barnet residents to make sure they have working smoke alarms in their homes after six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a house fire in North Finchely last night.

London Fire Brigade was called to the house on Hutton Grove at 9.22 pm last night and firefighters had the fire under control by 23.05pm.

Most of the first floor of the house was destroyed by the blaze, which investigators believe was started due to burning aromatics that were left unattended. Two people left the building before before firefighters arrived and there were no reported injuries.

Station commander Neil Dickinson, who was at the scene, explained that there were no smoke alarms fitted at the property. He said: “This incident serves as a reminder of just how important it is to have working smoke alarms in your home.

“Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts. We encourage everyone to have smoke alarms fitted in every room where a fire could start, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen. It’s important to test them regularly.”

On the apparent cause of the fire, he added: “Burning aromatics, incense sticks, candles and oil burners are one of the most common causes of fire. It is really important that you never leave them unattended and keep them away from anything that could catch fire such as curtains, furniture or clothes.

“We advise to place these in a suitable fire resistant holder which won’t be knocked over, and make sure you put them out entirely when you leave the room and especially before bed.”

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