Major Fire in Mill Hill – Watford Way
A significant fire broke out on **March 3, 2025**, affecting multiple properties at 418–430 Watford Way near Mill Hill Circus. The *Barnet Council* Emergency On‑Call Response Team, London Fire Brigade, and Metropolitan Police were all on scene overnight.
* The **A1 Watford Way** was shut down between Fiveways Corner and The Broadway due to fire operations.
* A **structural engineer** evaluated damaged properties, while the council established a temporary rest centre at 2 Bristol Avenue to assist displaced residents—**18 people** received shelter there.
* The London Fire Brigade is continuing its investigation into the fire’s cause ([barnet.gov.uk][1]).
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## 🔥 Blaze in Northway Crescent – June 5, 2025
Another large-scale fire occurred on **June 5** in Northway Crescent, Mill Hill (on the Herts border):
* It started around 4:52 pm in garages and gardens, spreading visible plumes across the area, and closing main roads like the A1, A41, and M1.
* **50 emergency calls** were logged, resulting in deployment of **10 fire engines and 70 firefighters** from Mill Hill, Hendon, Stanmore, Hertfordshire, and others.
* No injuries were reported, but **25 residents** were evacuated as a precaution. Crews also cooled gas cylinders and extinguished the fire by 8:48 pm ([times-series.co.uk][2]).
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## ⚠️ Area-Wide Alert – Potential Disruptions
On **May 27**, local authorities issued an advisory warning that parts of Mill Hill and Edgware may face temporary closures if several conditions worsen ([sportnews247.co.uk][3]):
* **Northern Line technical issues** could lead to service suspensions.
* **Construction-related congestion** in the Edgware Broadway and Mill Hill East redevelopment zones is elevating risk.
* **Environmental stress**, including pollution and flash floods, may require evacuation of vulnerable roads and parks.
Possible affected areas include:
* High Street commercial zones (Edgware Road, Broadway)
* Bus routes (113, 142, 240)
* Parks (Mill Hill Park, Edgwarebury Park)
* Public facilities and schools
Residents are urged to:
1. Monitor updates from **Barnet Council, TfL**, and the **Environment Agency**.
2. Plan alternative travel and remote work options.
3. Continue supporting local businesses safely ([sportnews247.co.uk][3]).
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## 🛑 Official Advice & Community Guidance
**Barnet Council**, **London Fire Brigade**, **Met Police**, and **TfL** emphasize:
* **Stay indoors** during active fire operations or public safety alerts.
* **Avoid affected roads and areas** until officially reopened.
* **Follow evacuation orders** immediately if issued.
* **Report any suspicious activity** or structural concerns to 999 and council hotlines.
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## 📝 Summary & What You Should Do
These incidents highlight increasing emergency pressures in north-west London:
| Incident | Date | Impact |
| ———————– | ———— | ——————————————————————– |
| Watford Way fire | Mar 3, 2025 | Property damage, road closure, residents sheltered |
| Northway Crescent blaze | Jun 5, 2025 | Large garage fire, road disruptions, evacuated homes |
| Ongoing alert | May 27, 2025 | Potential closures due to transit, construction, environmental risks |
**Community Steps:**
* Track official channels for real-time updates.
* Prepare contingency plans (travel, school, remote work).
* Maintain vigilance and prompt reporting.
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## 🔍 Looking Ahead
Authorities continue investigations into the fires, assessing cause and risk. They are also evaluating infrastructure stressors—including transit reliability and environmental management—before deciding on any closures.
I’ll keep monitoring updates from official sources—happy to share the latest details or help you get in touch with local emergency contac
