West Hampstead fire: Crews battle balconies blaze

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-44698742

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A fire which spread to four balconies in a block of flats sent large flames and plumes of smoke into the sky above north-west London.

Eight fire engines and 58 firefighters were deployed to the building in Heritage Lane, West Hampstead, at about 11:25 BST.

Kirsten Levermore, who lives near the building, said it looked "apocalyptic" and "like a bomb had hit it".

London Fire Brigade said the cause of the fire is currently not known.

The brigade's 999 control officers received about 40 calls about the blaze.

London Ambulance Service were also called although crews did not need to treat anyone.

Building developer Ballymore said there had been no reported injuries and they were "in close communication with all affected residents".

"Our primary task in the coming hours is to ensure their security and to organise temporary accommodation," they said.

Local roads including West End Lane were closed to allow emergency services to fight the blaze.

The fire was brought under control at 13:10.