A devastating house fire in north London has claimed the lives of two elderly residents in the early hours of Friday morning.
Emergency Response to the Blaze
Firefighters were called to a semi-detached property on Albemarle Road in Barnet at approximately 1.45am on Friday, 16 January 2026. The Metropolitan Police were alerted shortly before 1.40am and assisted by closing roads around the scene.
Crews from Barnet, Southgate, and Finchley fire stations rushed to the address. In total, four fire engines and around 25 firefighters battled the intense blaze, which was located on the ground floor of the two-storey home.
Fatalities at the Scene
Firefighters managed to rescue a man and a woman, both reported to be 90 years old, from the burning building. Despite the rapid efforts of the emergency services, they could not be saved.
"Sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, both were pronounced dead," a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed. Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service declared the pair dead at the scene.
The police confirmed that the next of kin have been informed and are currently receiving support from specialist family liaison officers.
Ongoing Investigation into the Cause
The fire was brought under control by 3.15am, but the cause remains a mystery. A joint investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade (LFB) to determine how the blaze started.
"The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and an investigation into the circumstances is underway. Enquiries are being led by the LFB," the police force spokesperson stated.
The community in Barnet has been left in shock by the tragic event, which highlights the critical importance of fire safety, particularly for vulnerable and elderly residents.
