Last updated: 09/10/2018, 4:05 PM

Willesden - fire at school

22/09/2015 15:04
Brent
School fires
)

Eight fire engines and 58 firefighters and officers attended a fire at a school on Goodson Road in Willesden, this afternoon.

All staff and children safely evacuated from the building before the arrival of the Brigade and there are no injuries. The pupils were released into the care of their parents.

Station Manager Sean Madeley who was at the scene, said:

"540 pupils and 65 staff were safely evacuated from the school as soon as the fire alarm sounded and there were no injuries.

"Quick thinking firefighters laid down plastic sheeting in the lower floors to minimise water damage. Crews used aerial appliances to tackle the fire from above but this is likely to be a protected incident.”

The roof of the building was completely destroyed by fire and most of the second floor was also damaged in the blaze.

Station Manager Gary Squires who was also at the scene praised the actions of staff during the evacuation.

He added: "The school carried out the evacuation with a calm and professional approach. It was well managed and carried out quickly which helped to prevent any injuries."

Firefighters from Hammersmith, Paddington, West Hampstead, North Kensington and Southall fire stations were at the scene. Crews were at the scene throughout the night and remain there this morning cooling down remaining hot spots.

The Brigade was called at 1504 and the fire was brought under control at 2106. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.