Mother 'so glad' no one was hurt in fire (From Times Series)
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Mother 'so glad' no one was hurt in Hendon fire
2:54pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News
By Emma Innes
Ms Crone's flat was destroyed in the fire
A mother-of-two has spoken of her relief that no one was hurt when a block of flats in Hendon caught fire yesterday.
Colette Crone, whose home in Central Circus was destroyed in the fire, told the Times Series that she is just glad no one was injured.
Ms Crone, who has two sons, aged seven and 11, said: “I am just so glad that no one was hurt.
“I am very thankful for that. Nothing else really matters. Everything in the flat is just stuff.”
Ms Crone, who is a lecturer at City University, was at work when the fire started in the roof of her building at 1.15pm.
Her 11-year-old son was at home with a child minder at the time as he was unwell so could not go to school.
She said: “It has quite frightened him. Fortunately my child minder is fantastic and she got him out when the fire alarm went off.
“My younger son was also very upset. The flat is their home. They were born here and they love it here.”
Ms Crone was at work when she received a call from her childminder to tell her about the fire.
She said: “I felt sick. I didn’t say anything. I just got my bags and left. I was shocked.”
Ms Crone has now had to move her family out of their wrecked home.
Last night they stayed with friends and they are now looking for temporary accommodation as their flat will take between three and six months to be repaired.
Ms Crone said: “The roof has fallen through and there is a lot of water damage.
“The flat is not liveable in. It is saturated and the ceiling has collapsed.
“It was quite shocking to see it. It was awful and the smell is terrible.”
Five fire engines and twenty fire fighters were required to tackle the blaze which was not brought under control until 2.30pm.
A large dome on top of the flats was severely damaged and a number of shops and banks had to be evacuated.
The HSBC below Ms Crone’s flat was badly damaged by the water used to put out the fire.
It remains closed today.
While the fire was being brought under control police closed the northbound carriageway of Hendon Way between the North Circular Road and Queen’s Road.
Vivian Avenue was also closed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Methodman says...
4:31pm Tue 16 Oct 12
The quick response and professional actions of local fire crews undoubtedly helped to minimise the damage and prevent the fire spreading.
This story also shows the importance of having a working fire alarm,if you do not have one,contact your local fire station and they will fit one for you free of charge.
This is all part of the World class fire service paid for by your 76 pence per week taken from your council tax.
The response to fires and other incidents will be much slower after April 2013,when Mayor Johnsons budget cuts will see 30 fire stations closed.