Huge fire in tower block with residents evacuated and 'avoid the area' warning
A fire broke out at a tower block in north London on Friday evening forcing residents to flee.
The blaze started on the sixth floor of Kenneth Robbins House in Northumberland Park, Tottenham, before spreading to the level below.
Sixty firefighters in eight engines were at the scene battling the fire for around two hours from 6.20pm.
A woman was led to safety and treated for smoke inhalation, London Fire Brigade has since confirmed.
Occupants were evacuated and have reportedly been told they may have to find other accommodation for the night.
Firefighters offered £1,000 a shift to cross picket line during upcoming strikesLFB warned those living nearby to close windows and doors.
Photos show people gathered on a patch of grass outside the building.
Fire crews were pictured on a crane.
LFB said half of a five-room flat on a residential floor was initially engulfed in flames and two people left the affected property before crews arrived.
It is unclear what started the fire.
Station Commander Chris Kendall, who was at the scene, said: "Firefighters are working in hot, challenging conditions to tackle a very intense fire. The area is heavily congested and we're urging people to avoid the area.
"The blaze is producing smoke and we're advising those in the vicinity to close their windows and doors.
"One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as an observation platform and as a water tower."
The brigade was called at 6.20pm and the fire was under control by 8.11pm.
Fire crews from Tottenham, Edmonton, Holloway and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
Diners flee restaurant fire after 'sparkler in drink ignited wall decorations'The cause of the fire is under investigation.
In an earlier tweet, the fire service said firefighters were "working swiftly to bring the flat fire in Tottenham under control".
Journalist Olivia Opara said residents were facing having to find alternative accommodation for the night.
In a series of tweets she said: "Echos of concerns regarding the safety of the building as residents stand out in the cold with worry about their home as some recall the incident of Grenfell Tower years ago.
"The fire teams are checking that the building is safe for residents to return."
She added: "Just spoken to a police officer who has said that residents may have to wait hours, potentially over night to return to their home."
She said Haringey Council has been contacted to potentially help residents be put up in hotels.