Firefighters save Torahs from Synagogue after two injured in fire

Two people have been hospitalised as firefighters rescued Torahs after a fire ripped through a home next to a synagogue.

Police are currently supporting the London Fire Brigade at the scene of a fire on Kyverdale Road, Hackney.

Firefighters scrambled to the road which contains a mosque and a Jewish primary school, at 4.15pm.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

Video from the scene appears to show firefighters rescuing Torahs from the Mesivta Yeshiva CZNV building.

Detectives said they are keeping an ‘open mind’ on the cause of the fire.

Images from the scene appear to show smoke billowing out of the roof of a large terraced home.

Assistant Fire Commissioner Andy Pennick said he didn’t believe the fire was ‘started deliberately’.

He said: ‘Pockets of fire were also tackled on other floors of the building. The fire is now under control, and crews will be carrying out further firefighting operations into the evening. 

‘Three people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, with two taken to hospital for further treatment. Crews also carried out salvage operations in the impacted and neighbouring properties. 

‘Our Community Engagement team are working with the local authority and community leaders to support local residents affected. 

‘People are advised to still avoid the area at this time whilst firefighters remain on scene. 

‘At this stage, we do not believe that the fire was started deliberately, however, investigations are ongoing by our Fire Investigation Team to determine the cause of the fire.’

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: ‘As a precaution a number of houses on the road have been evacuated as well as the neighbouring synagogue.

‘We appreciate that given the location of the fire and proximity to the synagogue, there will undoubtedly be community concern.

‘We are working closely with the London Fire Brigade and within these early stages are keeping an open mind as to the cause of the fire.

‘Officers remain in the area and are available to speak to concerned residents or the wider community.’

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: ‘Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire at a property on Cazenove Road in Stamford Hill.

‘The Brigade took the first of over 40 calls at 1614 and Control Officers have mobilised crews from Stoke Newington, Islington, Walthamstow and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

‘People are advised to avoid the area at this time whilst firefighters work to bring the fire under control.’

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