Four fire engines and around 20 firefighters and officers were called to a house fire on Springfield Close in North Finchley during the early hours of this morning.

The fire left the end of terraced property severely damaged, with the ground and first floors and roof all badly affected by the blaze. Two men and a woman managed to escape before firefighters arrived and all three were treated for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service.

Finchley Watch Manager Gareth Watson said: “When we first arrived we were confronted by a very intense fire. Over half the house was alight and flames were punching out of the front door and making their way upstairs. Thankfully by this time we were able to confirm there was no-one inside.

“The initial crews did an amazing job attacking the fire quickly and managing to stop it from spreading to the neighbouring house.”

He added that  the fire should act as a reminder of  how important it is to have smoke alarms fitted in your home.

“The property did have smoke alarms and these alerted the people inside to the fire. It’s essential that you have a smoke alarm fitted on every level of your home as they can buy you vital seconds to escape in the event of a fire. If there is a fire in your home get out, stay out and call the fire brigade,” said Watch Manager Watson.

The Brigade was called at 0415 and the fire was under control by 0608. Crews from Finchley and Hendon fire stations were at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.