The mother of a baby delivered by firefighters as they fought a blaze in Ponders End says she can “relax” after today’s dramatic events.

Mum Ewelina Zimnicka and dad Jaroslaw from Enfield were on their way to North Middlesex Hospital, in Sterling Way, Edmonton where Mrs Zimnicka was due to give birth.

However, their big day became even more stressful when they found themselves in gridlock on approach to High Street, where a blaze has raged for six hours.

As panic set in, two firefighters helping control the fire, Ross McLaren and Richie Hall jumped to the aid of Mrs Zimnicka.

She said: “When I went into labour at home I thought I had a lot of time as my first baby’s labour had taken a long time. But then the contractions started coming quicker and I told my husband we had better go.

“We set off in the car but we got stuck in traffic almost straight away because of a fire.

"Both ends of the road were sealed off and there were fire engines all around us. My husband rushed out of the car and told police we needed help.

“The fire brigade put a barrier around us and helped me and just as the baby was born the ambulance crew arrived in time to cut the cord.”

Her newborn baby, Antoni were then whisked off to the hospital to give both Ewilina and her new born boy a full check.

She added: “I was so surprised how quickly the baby arrived. He was healthy and he cried almost straight away. The firemen was excellent I can’t thank them and the ambulance crew enough.

“It’s marvellous to be here in hospital and to be able to relax with my beautiful little boy. I’m very tired and really it’s a relief to be looked after by the midwives in this tranquil environment which is what I had always planned.

"They have been wonderful. My little baby boy is gorgeous and I am a very lucky woman.”

Birthing centre midwifery sister Marian Quee said: “Ewelina and baby Antoni are doing really well. They’ve settled in and we have checked them out thoroughly. After such an exciting and eventful journey, everything is nice and calm.”