Firefighters have issued a reminder for smokers to make sure they fully extinguish their cigarettes after a discarded cigarette ignited a plant pot causing a fire at a house on Emerald Road in Harlesden.
The fire was discovered when the resident saw a plastic plant pot alight outside the front of the property. Other residents attempted to extinguish the fire with bottles of water and a garden hose reel.
The Brigade was called when a resident saw smoke coming from the roof at the front of the house. The Brigade’s 999 control room took 6 calls to the fire.
Four people from the house and six people from a neighbouring property evacuated before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
Part of the ground and first floor of the three storey house was damaged by the blaze. The roof was completely destroyed and most of the second floor. The fire also damaged part of a roof of a neighbouring property.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, “It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly. Smoking is a major cause of fire fatalities and there are many health risks associated with it. There is helpful advice available for people who want to quit smoking available through NHS Smoke Free. “
“In event of an emergency, you should always call 999 immediately and don’t try to tackle the fire yourself.”
The Brigade was called at 0707 and the fire was under control by 0852. Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters from Park Royal, Willesden, Wembley, Acton, Hammersmith, Northolt, North Kensington and West Hampstead fire stations attended.