Firefighters are reminding residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms after a house was saved from serious fire damage.
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers were called to a fire at a detached house in Wakehams Hill, Pinner.
The owner of the house was alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm in the garage.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “It is unusual for people to have smoke alarms in their garages, but in this case it has saved the house.
“The early warning gave the owner vital minutes to leave the property and call 999.
“This shows how important it is to have working smoke alarms throughout your property, and even in outbuildings.
“Without the early warning of a smoke alarm, people can be overcome with smoke before the fire is discovered.
"Please fit at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your property and check them regularly.”
The garage was destroyed and part of the facia boards and guttering and a small part of the ground floor were damaged.
One woman left the property before the arrival of the Brigade.
The Brigade was called at 1004 and the fire was under control at 1044. Fire crews from Northolt, Ruislip and Stanmore fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.