Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters responded to a flat fire on Elm Road, Wembley.
Half of the external side of the building and all of the roof and four external balconies were damaged by fire. Residents started to evacuate in line with the buildings evacuation strategy and were assisted by firefighters upon arrival. Five adjoining blocks were also evacuated as a precaution. All residents were accounted for following the evacuation and there were no reports of any injuries.
People were advised to avoid the area as crews responded. Nearby residents were also advised to keep their doors and windows shut to stay safe from any smoke in the area. Local crews and members of our Community Engagement team facilitated a meeting between Brent Civic Centre in partnership with the local authority, Barry Gardiner MP, Octavia Housing and local residents. The meeting was an opportunity for residents to ask questions about the fire and its aftermath, as well as raise any concerns.
Two of the Brigade's 32 metre turntable ladders were used as water towers to help extinguish the fire.
Control Officers took nine calls to the fire, with the first received at 1642. The fire was under control by 2201. Firefighters from Wembley, Park Royal, Northolt and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “The Brigade, alongside a scientific advisor from Bureau Veritas, has concluded its investigation into a fire at a block of flats on Elm Road, Wembley.
“The fire is believed to have been accidental, with the most probable cause being a fault within a boiler on a third floor balcony. The investigation also found that automatic fire detection was not sufficient, and that the cladding on the building contributed to the spread of fire.
"Support for residents has been ongoing since the incident, and we will continue working closely with the local authority, Octavia Housing, and the Building Safety Regulator going forward. Our thoughts remain with all those affected."