Huge London fire sees area sealed off as 500 evacuated over explosion fears
A FIRE has sparked the evacuation of 500 people in London as emergency services fear explosions to come.
Shops and homes evacuated after huge fire in north London
A single-storey workshop surrounded by shops and flats is completely alight as emergency services try to control it.
London Fire Brigade said an exclusion zone had been set up because of fears that gas cylinders might explode in the heat.
Dozens of calls were made within minutes of the fire being visible, while plumes of black some filled the air.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed one man has been taken to hospital, although the cause of the fire is not yet known.
Pictures are beginning to emerge of the scene, which can be spotted from miles around.
Burnt Oak fire causes mass evacuation as explosions feared
Fire in Edgware: Workshop blaze leads to mass evacuation
Watling Avenue is closed and 72 firefighters are on site, along with eight fire engines after the blaze broke out at around 3.30pm.
Trains were not stopping at Burnt Oak station, according to commuters.
Transport for London (TfL) later confirmed trains will now call at the station.
Firefighters have answered a call to a workshop in Edgware, London
Mark Odling, 31, who lives in Burnt Oak, told the Standard: “I came out and saw and I saw big, black plumes of smoke filling the streets. It was mayhem, very mad.
“We kept getting moved back by the police. I heard a small explosion, a pop so, I think that’s why the police were concerned with getting everyone back as quick as they could."
Smoke above London: Firefighters descend on Burnt Oak by the dozen
Crews are working hard in arduous conditions to cool the cylinders and damp down pockets of fire. The whole of Watling Avenue has been closed
Station Manager Sean Madeley, who is at the scene, said: "The fire is in the workshop behind a shop and flats. Gas cylinders are involved in the incident.
"As a result, a hazard zone has been set up as cylinders can explode when exposed to heat. Crews are working hard in arduous conditions to cool the cylinders and damp down pockets of fire.
"The whole of Watling Avenue has been closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible."
Edgware fire: Firefighters surround Burnt Oak
THe fire was under control by 9pm.