The damaged flat in Alexandra and Ainsworth estate 

FIREFIGHTERS tackled serious blazes in two Camden council estates this afternoon (Thursday).

A four bedroom flat appeared to be completely destroyed in Rowley Way on the Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate, South Hampstead, around 3pm. There were no reports of any injuries.

There was also a serious fire in a home in Waxham in Mansfield Road, Gospel Oak, at 4.50pm.

Stephen Clark, who lives in Bacton Tower close to Waxham, said he saw “huge clouds of black smoke”, adding: “I’ve seen three fire engines gone up, one with a big turntable ladder.

“It smells of plastic and burnt asphalt. It seems like they’ve managed to bring it under control but there is still smoke rising from it.”

He added: “A lot of people are taking risks to keep warm. I’ve heard of people putting a bucket on bricks and burning wood with the window open to let the smoke out,” he said.

Six fire engines and 40 firefighters were called to Mansfield Road and the LFB said at 5.45pm “there was heavy smoke logging on the second floor and firefighters are carrying out a systematic search of adjacent flats”.

Fire crews from Soho, Islington, Shoreditch and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.

On the earlier Rowley Way blaze, London Fire Brigade spokesman said six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called, adding: “A four-roomed flat on the third floor of the building was alight.

“The Brigade was called at 2.57pm and the fire was under control by 4.01pm. The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

One person has been rescued by the fire brigade and is believed to be suffering from minor injuries.