Firefighters are warning people to use candles carefully following a fire at a mid terraced bungalow on Clayton Field in Colindale.
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled the blaze, which damaged most of the property. One woman and two children were alerted to the fire by smoke alarms and left the building before the Brigade. They were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews suffering from smoke inhalation.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was started by a candle which was left burning after the occupants had gone to bed.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Candles are one of the most common causes of fire and it’s very important they are kept away from anything that can easily catch fire and never left unattended.
"Always make sure you put them out before you go to bed or leave your home.
“This incident also shows just how important it is to have working smoke alarms in your home."
The Brigade was called at 2220 and the fire was under control by 2324. Fire crews from Mill Hill, Hendon and Finchley fire stations attended.