Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackled a fire at a garage on Tachbrook Road in Southall.
A single-storey commercial garage, an adjoining vehicle storage area, several cars and a rooftop tyre storage area were destroyed by the fire. A container of oil was also alight. Around 30 people were evacuated from neighbouring properties. There were no reports of any injuries.
Three cylinders were removed from the building before the Brigade arrived and firefighters cooled them to an ambient temperature as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat. A 25-metre cordon was in place as a precaution.
The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took over 40 calls to the blaze.
Station Commander Graeme Hunter, who was at the scene, said: "The fire produced heavy smoke, which was visible for miles. We urged residents in the area to close their windows and doors.
"There was significant disruption to traffic, so people were advised to avoid the area whilst crews worked to make the scene safe."
The Brigade was called at 1145 and the fire was under control by 1350. Fire crews from Southall, Hayes, Feltham, Heathrow and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The fire is believed to have been caused by a fault in the engine bay of a car.