Firefighters were called to a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a flat on High Street in Harlesden.
A gas engineer had detected elevated readings of gas and carbon monoxide and crews confirmed this when they arrived. They isolated the gas supply and ventilated the property. A woman and a child were taken to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Firefighters evacuated around 15 other residents and set up a 25m cordon as a precaution.
Firefighters then carried out a sweep of the building and confirmed no further elevated readings were found on their detection equipment.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “You can't taste, see or smell CO fumes, but it can kill in minutes.
"It's really important to fit a CO alarm in all rooms containing fuel burning appliances, ensuring that the alarm is able to be heard throughout your home. When sleeping, it is important that your alarm would wake you if it sounds.
"It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, and learn what to do if you suspect someone may be affected.”
The Brigade was called at 0054 and the incident was over for firefighters by 0330. Two fire engines from Park Royal and Willesden fire stations and a fire rescue unit from Wembley Fire Station was at the scene.
These symptoms also apply to your pets – so keep an eye on them too. Poisoning symptoms can easily be confused with just feeling unwell, which is why CO poisoning is so dangerous, and so often missed.