An elderly couple had a lucky escape from a fire at a house on Sherborne Gardens in Kingsbury, early this morning.
The pair left the property before the arrival of the Brigade after being alerted by the smell of smoke. They were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service for shock.
The fire caused severe damage to the whole of the ground floor and part of the first floor, the rest of the property was badly damaged by heat and smoke.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “It is extremely lucky the occupants became aware of the fire, because although they had a smoke alarm fitted in the property it was not in working order.
“Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of their home and the safest option is have those linked together. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire in their property.”
Four fire engines from Stanmore and Hendon fire stations attended the incident. The fire is believed to have been caused by candles left unattended.
The Brigade was called at 0615 and the fire was under control at 0710. The cause of the fire is under investigation.