Neighbours ‘in shock’ as flames engulf shop and nearby flats in Golders Green

More than 70 fire fighters were called to Kay's Supermarket, which has a block of flats above it, in Princes Parade, Golders Green Road, Golders Green this morning at 7.32am.

Three people were rescued with a ladder, two were led to safety by crews and 25 were people evacuated, before a number of them and six firefighters were then taken to hospital due to smoke inhalation.

READ MORE: Road closed as five people rescued from huge fire in shop

Fire crews have been tackling a blaze inside Kay's Supermarket throughout the day.

The road has been closed all day and it is not known when it will reopen.

Crews from Hendon, West Hampstead, Finchley and Mill Hill fire stations are still at the scene due to all of the ground floor of the shop and half of the second floor of the building still billowing with flames and smoke.

The fire spread to a number of other nearby buildings throughout the course of the day.

Another block of 12 flats behind the supermarket in Heather Gardens caught fire and the flames were still being tackled at 4pm this afternoon.

A block of flats in Heather Gardens also caught fire.

A dog died in the blaze but every person was evacuated safely.

John Johnson, who lives in a flat opposite the shop in Golders Manor Drive, admitted the day has been “terrifying”.

He said: “Waking up this morning was scary. All the alarms went off in my flat and I had to evacuate it.

“Smoke had filled every room and I thought it was my home that was on fire, but it wasn’t until I went outside that I realised it was the shop and flats opposite.

“It has been terrifying to see the fire spread to other buildings but the fire department have been absolutely fantastic.“

Cristina Pedatsur, 60, lives in a flat along Golders Green Road and realised there was a fire by the “overpowering rubber smell” seeping into her living room.

She said: “It is scary to think it is still burning so many hours later.

“I feel bad for the victims. Where are they going to live now - especially those who have children?”

Sansheer Kavungal, who lives next door to the flats in Heather Gardens, was overwhelmed by the heat coming from the flames.

He said: “I was woken up by the smell and heat. I went outside to see what was happening and was shocked to see so many flames.

“The buildings next door are completely ruined and I’m in disbelief that is still ongoing. The fire just will not stop. 

“All my neighbours have been bringing out tea, biscuits and blankets all day. It is great that there is such a big sense of community around here.”

Police have confirmed there is "no evidence to suggest this is a suspicious fire" but the cause is not yet known.