Firefighters brought a major blaze under control Thursday evening after a house fire in north-west London forced evacuations from nearby homes and a shul in Stamford Hill.

Emergency crews rushed to Cazenove Road shortly after 4:14 p.m., deploying 15 fire engines and approximately 100 firefighters to combat the fast-moving flames.

According to the London Fire Brigade, three individuals were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, and two were transported to the hospital for additional care.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2049876724872048903

Police said the cause of the fire remains under review. The Metropolitan Police described the situation as being in the “early stages” and said it was “keeping an open mind as to the cause of the fire”. The force added: “We appreciate that given the location of the fire and proximity to the synagogue, there will undoubtedly be community concern.”

Later in the evening, the London Fire Brigade indicated that there is no current indication that the fire was intentionally set, though investigators are continuing to examine what happened.

Officials confirmed that the blaze has since been contained.

Video from the area showed heavy smoke pouring into the sky as flames spread through the structure, leaving significant portions of the building badly damaged, including the entrance.

Onlookers gathered nearby as emergency personnel worked to control the fire and secure the scene.

Authorities have not yet determined whether the affected building was being used as a private residence or for community purposes.

Members of Shomrim assisted Hackney police with traffic control and street closures around the site.

Officials urged the public to stay away from the area to allow firefighters to continue their work safely.

The London Fire Brigade said it received more than 40 emergency calls beginning at 4:14 p.m., prompting the dispatch of crews from Stoke Newington, Islington, Walthamstow, and other nearby stations.

{Matzav.com}