Sheds alight - Harrow

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to reports of sheds alight on Long Elmes in Harrow. 

Five garden sheds and around 50 square metres of garden shrubbery were destroyed by fire. Firefighters cooled a gas cylinder and cooled to an ambient temperature as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat. There were no reports of any injuries. 

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took 22 calls to the blaze. 

The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe use of a fire pit. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "If you use fire pits in your garden, make sure you place it completely clear of anything that could catch fire, like garden sheds, garages and fences.

"Damp down burnt materials with plenty of water."

Firefighters' safety tips for using fire pits

• Don’t leave fire pits unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out
• Make sure to damp down any burnt materials with water
• Place them clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries
• Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of fire
• Check the area to make sure there's no wildlife or pets hiding nearby

The Brigade was called at 2002 and the fire was under control by 2136. Fire crews from Harrow, Stanmore and Northolt fire stations attended the scene.