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Emergency services have delivered coordinated overnight response to a fire involving ambulances in Golders Green, with fire, police and ambulance teams working together to contain the incident, protect residents and maintain operational capacity.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of 23 March and is being treated by police as an antisemitic arson attack, saw four vehicles operated by Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service, damaged by fire at a site on Highfield Road.
London Fire Brigade was first to receive calls, with its control room taking the first of 56 reports shortly before 01:45. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were mobilised from across north London.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Paul Askew said crews were met with a “well-developed fire” involving four ambulances on arrival. Firefighters brought the incident under control by 03:06, with no injuries reported.
He added: “We understand the impact this will have on the local community, especially our Jewish residents, and the Brigade’s Community Engagement Team attended the rest centre last night to support residents that have been directly impacted by this fire. Alongside our firefighters, they will continue to work with and support the local community in the coming days.”
The Metropolitan Police attended alongside firefighters, implementing road closures and evacuating nearby homes, with more than 30 residents temporarily displaced as a precaution.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said: “We attended the scene where four ambulances from Hatzola were on fire. Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, with residents allowed to return relatively quickly. Thankfully no injuries were reported and all of the fires were safely put out.”
He added: “The Met Police stands shoulder to shoulder with our partners and communities. Together we take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime,” noting that additional patrols and reassurance activity are being stepped up across affected areas.
Due to the circumstances of the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation, although it has not been formally declared a terrorist incident.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London said: “We’re aware this attack has caused a great amount of concern amongst the Jewish and wider community in the area, but I want to reassure the public that we have officers working around the clock to identify those responsible.”
The London Ambulance Service moved quickly to ensure there was no disruption to emergency care.
Chief Executive Jason Killens said: “We have offered a loan of four ambulances so their highly trained volunteers can continue to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day. We stand ready to provide additional practical support should they need it at this difficult time.”
The government has also confirmed that replacement vehicles will be provided, with four ambulances expected to be in place within 24 hours and longer-term funding committed.
In a statement to Parliament, the Security Minister praised the response of emergency services, highlighting the “speed and professionalism” of police and fire crews in preventing a more serious outcome.
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