A major fire broke out at a £1.8 million property undergoing renovation in Southgate’s gated community, Ringmer Place, Winchmore Hill, on Wednesday evening, 23 October 2024.

The fire, which was reported shortly after 7 pm, prompted a large response from the London Fire Brigade, with six fire engines initially dispatched to the scene. Due to the intensity of the blaze, additional resources were later requested.

Access to the gated community posed challenges for the fire crews, requiring them to run hoses from hydrants located on Bush Hill. Flames quickly spread up the front of the property, eventually reaching the roof and causing extensive damage estimated in the thousands of pounds.

The property, named Larkworthy located on  Ringmer Place, Southgate was last valued at £1.6 million. The fire is now under investigation by specialist officers from the London Fire Brigade, as the property was undergoing major renovation work at the time of the incident.

Fire crews are currently using a 32-metre turntable ladder to address remaining hotspots, and firefighters are expected to remain on-site throughout the night to ensure the fire is fully extinguished and the area is made safe.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. They acknowledged the difficulty crews faced accessing the scene and praised the firefighters for their efforts in controlling the blaze under challenging conditions.

Residents are advised to avoid the area and keep a safe distance while emergency services continue their operations.

We have reached out to the London Fire Brigade for an official statement and will provide updates as more information becomes available.