Firefighters were called to Archway Leisure Centre on Macdonald Road yesterday (November 30) after reports of a blaze at 1.37pm.
It resulted in gym-goers, swimmers and those using the sauna facilities being forced to evacuate.
Pictures show a man wrapped in a towel, while others were given foil blankets to keep themselves warm in their swimwear.
Gary Henson, who was using the gym, said he was at the top of the building when the alarms went off.
He said: “We soon realised it wasn’t a fire drill when staff on loud hailers got us to leave quickly.
“The pool was packed as it was a ‘family fun swim’ and the newly repaired flume – a giant water slide – is so popular along with the wave machines.
“Lifeguards got everybody out within minutes and leisure centre staff had all the swimmers and gym and sauna users out really quick.”
Mr Henson claimed that “nobody could dress or collect their belongings”, which resulted in people wearing their swimwear and gym clothing outside.
Those who were in the pool were provided with the foil blankets and were then asked to go the centre’s assembly area for warmth.
He added: “We were really impressed by how quickly and professionally the centre staff dealt with a complicated situation.”
By the time firefighters arrived, the flame had already been extinguished after the evacuation.
It is understood that the Metropolitan Police are looking into the cause of the blaze.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We were called at 1357 hrs yesterday (30 November) to a report of a fire at a leisure centre on Macdonald Road in Archway.
“Firefighters attended but the fire had already been extinguished by the time they had arrived. The centre had also been safely evacuated.
“Two fire engines from Kentish Town Fire Station attended the scene.”
GLL, the biggest leisure centre provider in the country which trades as Better, has been approached for comment.
