Firefighters are urging people to make sure they have working smoke alarms in their properties after a fire at a block of flats in Station Road in Harlesden.
A bedsit on the first floor of the building was destroyed by fire and the remainder of the property was damaged by heat and smoke.
One man from the flat above escaped to a roof and was rescued via a ladder by firefighters. Another 10 residents left the building before the arrival of the Brigade.
Watch Manager Mike Dowden, who was at the scene, said: “When crews arrived, the fire had broken through the window of the affected bedsit. Crews worked hard to stop the fire from spreading to adjacent properties.
“There were no working smoke alarms in the property and it was one of the residents in the block who noticed the fire and raised the alarm.
“It is vitally important that you have working smoke alarms throughout your property and make sure they are tested regularly.”
Homes need multiple smoke alarms. Fires can start in any room. Fit smoke alarms in your hallways and landings and in any room where you:
The Brigade was called at 2150 and the fire was under control at 2302. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from North Kensington, Park Royal and Acton fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and is thought to have started in an oil filled radiator.