A large fire broke out at a school in Enfield after a group of young people fired fireworks at the building.
Some 26 members of staff had to evacuate Oasis Academy Hadley as huge flames spread across the outside of the school building creating huge clouds of smoke.
The school’s headteacher Zoë Thompson confirmed that there had been a fire at the school on Wednesday but reassured parents that everybody was safe and that “school life is continuing as normal”.
In a post on X, she wrote: “Last night’s unfortunate incident caused some cosmetic damage to the outside of the building.
“Other than that, the school is up and running as usual and learning continues.
“Thank you to the fire service for responding so quickly and successfully and thank you to the local Hadley community for their concern and for so many kind messages of support.”
“I would like to reassure everybody that the Oasis Academy Hadley building is safe, and school life is continuing as normal. Last night’s unfortunate incident caused some cosmetic damage to the outside of the building. (1/2)
— Oasis Academy Hadley (@OasisHadley) October 24, 2024
Officers were called to the school at around 5.40pm on Wednesday after staff became aware of the fire.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received the first of 12 calls at 5.43pm and sent four fire engines and around 25 firefighters to the scene.
A 32-metre turntable ladder was used at the scene and the fire had been dealt with by firefighters shortly before 7pm.
The London Fire Brigade said it believed the fire was accidental and part of the outside of the building on the first and second floor had been damaged.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Service said: “On investigation, the fire was caused by what appears to have been a group of young people playing with fireworks and firing them at the school.
“This investigation is ongoing and has been captured on CCTV. Police will be conducting reassurance patrols and visiting the school.
The force added that the fire highlighted the danger of fireworks and how quickly misusing fireworks can escalate.
The Met Police confirmed that additional officers will be on patrols in the evening around Halloween and Fireworks night and “robustly dealing with any misuse or underage possession or selling of fireworks”.
LFB assistant commissioner Craig Carter, said: “Our advice has always been that it’s safer to attend professional displays rather than using fireworks at home.
“It’s also cheaper and usually easy to get to, as there are plenty of displays taking place across the capital over the coming weeks.
“You can use our online fireworks display map to find a safe organised display near you.
“If you do choose to use fireworks at home, it’s important to remember that fireworks are explosives.
“Only buy fireworks from a reputable, licensed seller and make sure they have a CE safety mark. Secure them properly in the ground, and keep them far away from buildings, trees, animals, and people.
“Always follow the Fireworks Code and remember there are strict laws around when you can purchase and use fireworks. Never set them off if you’ve been drinking alcohol and once a firework is lit, never go back it.
“Disposing of fireworks safely is just as important as using them correctly. Don’t leave used fireworks or sparklers lying around and never throw them into bins when they’re still hot. Allow them to cool properly before throwing them away.”
