The fire broke out at 2:47 p.m. Friday at the Tesco Metro on Golders Green Road, trapping flames between the ground floor retail space and the 12 flats above. Witnesses described smoke visible for miles as it billowed over Hampstead Heath, drawing emergency crews within minutes.
London Fire Brigade confirmed 11 fire engines and a high-reach appliance arrived within eight minutes, with more units requested as the blaze intensified. Firefighters entered the building wearing breathing apparatus, battling flames through three floors of the structure. The London Ambulance Service dispatched six ambulances to the scene, though no injuries were reported at the time.
Key Points
- ✅ Fire started at 2:47 p.m. in Tesco Metro on Golders Green Road
- ⚡ 11 fire engines and 100+ firefighters deployed
- 💡 No immediate casualties reported; six ambulances on standby
Residents from the 12 flats above the supermarket were evacuated to a nearby community centre, where officials set up a rest centre. Golders Green’s tight housing stock forced crews to prioritise safety over property damage containment. The London Fire Brigade’s incident commander described the fire as "significant," citing the building’s age and construction materials as complicating factors.
| Building Zone | Status | Crew |
|---|---|---|
| Ground floor (retail) | Fully involved | 40 firefighters |
| Floors 2-3 (flats) | Smoke logged | 30 firefighters |
| Roof | Under control | 20 firefighters |
The supermarket’s manager, who declined to give his name, said stock worth over £150,000 was destroyed, including refrigeration units and electronics. Tesco has suspended operations at the site pending safety inspections, with no timeline for reopening. The cause remains under investigation, though fire investigators suspect an electrical fault.
📋 By The Numbers
- 12 — Number of flats evacuated
- £150,000+ — Estimated stock loss
- 8 minutes — Response time for first units
Fire investigators from the London Fire Brigade’s Fire Investigation Team arrived within the hour, cordoning off a 50-metre radius around the building. They are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses. The building, constructed in the 1930s, lacks modern sprinkler systems, which experts say could have mitigated the spread.
💡 Pro Tip
Older commercial buildings with residential units above should install sprinkler systems and conduct quarterly electrical safety audits to reduce fire risks.
Councillor Sarah Haynes, representing Golders Green ward, confirmed the council will support displaced residents with temporary accommodation and financial assistance. "This is a stark reminder of the importance of community resilience," Haynes said. Local charities have also pledged support, including food and clothing donations for those affected.
- Friday, 3:15 p.m. — Firefighters achieve partial control of ground floor
- Friday, 4:30 p.m. — Evacuation of 45 residents completed
- Friday, 5:45 p.m. — Roof ventilation completed to reduce smoke
The fire was declared under control shortly after 6:30 p.m., though pockets of smouldering remained overnight. Investigators will continue forensic analysis over the weekend, with a full report expected next week. The supermarket’s insurance adjuster has already visited the site to assess the damage.
As the dust settles, residents and business owners in Golders Green face questions about fire safety in older buildings. The incident has reignited debates about retrofitting commercial properties with modern fire suppression systems, a move some local councillors have long advocated but lacked funding to implement.