A woman and six children had a lucky escape from a house fire on Redfern Road in Stonebridge last night.
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers dealt with the blaze in a mid terraced two storey house. Part of the first floor and loft were damaged by the fire.
One of the elder children smelt the smoke and discovered the fire and raised the alarm. They all left the property before the arrival of the Brigade.
There was a smoke alarm fitted in the property but fire investigators believe it didn’t work. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said:
“Whether it is a hard wired or a battery one, it is important to make sure your smoke alarm always works. Working smoke alarms are essential, as they provide vital early warning and allow extra time to escape. They can also alert neighbours to the danger of fire. Make sure you test your smoke alarms regularly.”
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, due to careless disposal of cigarettes.
The Brigade was called at 2336 and the fire was under control by 0040. Fire crews from Park Royal, Willesden, North Kensington and Wembley fire stations attended the scene.