In the early hours of September 22, 2025, a devastating fire tore through a three-storey block of flats in Maybury Close, Enfield, north London, sending shockwaves through the local community and leaving several families displaced. The blaze, which erupted just after 5:00am, quickly engulfed the building’s roof and much of its second floor, prompting a massive emergency response and a dramatic rescue effort by neighbors and first responders alike.
According to multiple reports from BBC News, Sky News, and other outlets, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) received the first of at least 16 emergency calls at 5:19am BST. Within minutes, approximately 70 firefighters and ten fire engines from Enfield, Edmonton, Chingford, Tottenham, Woodford, and Southgate stations, along with two engines from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, were dispatched to the scene. Their mission: to battle the aggressive flames and help residents escape the rapidly deteriorating situation.
By the time the first crews arrived, 14 people had already managed to evacuate the building, thanks in large part to the quick thinking and bravery of local neighbors. Vicky Gardner, who lives nearby, recounted to BBC News how she was leaving her house to walk her dogs at 5:15am when she "noticed that there were flames coming from the flats at the end of the street." Recognizing the danger, a neighbor began banging on doors to wake residents, ensuring they could flee before the fire spread further. Gardner described the ordeal as "really horrible for the residents, those poor people have lost everything."
Another neighbor, Nurcan Ozcan, told BBC News about the heroic actions of a local Turkish boy who "helped take out all of the neighbors because they were sleeping." She explained, "He took out all of the people including one who was disabled. It was just like watching a movie." Ozcan added, "It's so sad. We've had neighbors who've been living together for 25 years. Now nobody's there, it's a shock."
Despite the chaos and destruction, the coordinated response by emergency services helped prevent an even greater tragedy. Three children suffering from smoke inhalation were treated by paramedics and rushed to the hospital. Police later confirmed their conditions were not life-threatening or life-changing, providing a measure of relief amid the devastation.
The fire itself was a formidable adversary. The entire roof and much of the second floor were consumed by flames, and even after the main blaze was brought under control by 8:06am, pockets of fire continued to smolder in parts of the structure. To combat the inferno, firefighters deployed two 32-metre turntable ladders as water towers, allowing them to douse the flames from above. The LFB’s Drone Team also provided the Incident Commander with real-time aerial views of the scene, offering crucial information to guide the operation.
The scale of the emergency response was evident not only in the number of firefighters and equipment on site but also in the disruption to the wider community. The A10 into Hoe Lane was closed throughout the morning, causing significant traffic delays and prompting authorities to urge Londoners to avoid the area if possible.
As the sun rose over Enfield, the full extent of the damage became clear. The block’s roof was left in ruins, the upper floors gutted, and homes that had stood for decades were reduced to charred shells. For the residents, many of whom had lived side by side for 25 years or more, the loss was not just material but deeply personal. The sense of community, built over decades, was upended in a matter of hours.
While the flames have now been extinguished, questions remain about the cause of the fire. Both the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service have launched a joint investigation, but as of Monday afternoon, the cause had not yet been determined and no arrests had been made. Notably, the fire came just a day after a false fire alert at the same block, which saw LFB and police respond to what turned out to be a non-incident. Whether this earlier event has any connection to the subsequent blaze is something investigators will be keen to establish.
For now, the focus is on supporting those affected. Emergency services have praised the actions of neighbors and first responders who worked together to ensure everyone’s safety. The story of the Turkish boy who helped evacuate sleeping residents, including a disabled neighbor, has resonated across social media and news outlets, serving as a testament to the power of community in times of crisis.
As the cleanup begins and families seek temporary accommodation, the Enfield fire stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers posed by residential fires—and the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and community spirit. The London Fire Brigade has urged residents across the city to check their smoke alarms and review their own fire safety plans, a message underscored by the harrowing events in Maybury Close.
Residents and local officials have also called for increased support for those displaced by the fire, as well as a thorough review of building safety measures in the area. With the investigation ongoing, many in the community are anxiously awaiting answers, hoping to understand how such a devastating event could occur and what steps can be taken to prevent a repeat in the future.
While the physical scars left by the fire are plain to see, the response from neighbors, emergency services, and the wider Enfield community has provided a ray of hope. As one resident put it, "We've lost so much, but at least we have each other." The coming days will test the resilience of those affected, but if the events of September 22 are any indication, this is a community that won’t be broken easily.
