A man who lives opposite a popular pub has described his shock he watched as firefighters tackle a blaze as it spread through the building.
Firefighters rushed to the Tally Ho pub in High Road, North Finchley, after flames spread to the first and second floors and roof yesterday (February 8).
Crews were called at 11.05am and the blaze was eventually under control by 12.22pm.
Luca, who did not want to share his surname, but goes by the TikTok username @chrysos89, described his emotions as he saw events unfold.
Luca, who has lived in a flat opposite the pub for three years, said: “Seeing the fire take place was frightening. My mind immediately went to people possibly getting injured, but I was reassured when I saw how quickly and efficiently the London Fire Brigade took care of the issue.
"By the time I realised what was happening, a fire engine was already en route and arrived very quickly.”
@chrysos89 This just happened in front of my flat... the Tally Ho pub in North Finchley caught on fire! #fire #firefighter #news #northfinchley #london #tallyho ♬ original sound - Luca
He added: “I think both the pub and buildings directly next to it have wooden frames, so I’m relieved the fire did not spread.”
Footage shared at the scene showed smoke billowing around the street as the flames spread.
Luca explained: “The wind was blowing north, pushing the smoke away from my position and directly into High Road. The thickest portion of it came out when firefighters were working on putting out the flames.
“I went outside after the fire was put out, around 1.30pm and despite no visible sign of smoke being left, you could still smell it in the air.”
@chrysos89 This just happened in front of my flat... the Tally Ho pub in North Finchley caught on fire! #fire #firefighter #news #northfinchley #london #tallyho ♬ original sound - Luca
The London Ambulance Service treated one person at the scene for smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported at the time.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters rushed to the pub after 13 999 calls were made.
The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by cooking left unattended, the London Fire Brigade said.
Operator Stonegate says the Tally Ho team will now look to see what additional work is needed so it can reopen as soon as possible.
A spokesperson said yesterday: “Earlier today, a fire broke out in the kitchen of the Tally Ho pub, North Finchley.
“The fire was quickly contained, and we would like to thank the emergency services for their efficient action at the scene.
“Everybody in the building is safe and accounted for. The team will now identify what additional works will need to take place, and hope to have the pub open and trading as usual as soon as possible."
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