House fire - Willesden

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters responded to a house fire on Ilex Road, Willesden

The first floor, in a mid-terraced house of two floors, was destroyed by fire. Six people left the property before the Brigade arrived, and two people were treated on scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital. 

The Brigade's Control Room took four calls reporting the fire, with the first received at 2031. Crews from Willesden, Park Royal, Wembley and surrounding fire stations were mobilised to the scene, and firefighters had the incident under control by 2154. 

The fire is believed to have been accidental, caused by candles placed to close to flammable materials. 

How to use candles and incense safely 

• Never leave candles, incense sticks and oil burners unattended - this includes 'Diya lamps'' often used for worship and religious festivals.
• Make sure you put them out when you leave the room and especially before bed.
• Keep them in heat-resistant holders placed on a stable surface.
• Don't put them close to anything that can catch fire, such as curtains, papers, furniture, and clothes.
• To avoid accidents keep candles and all naked flames (including matches and lighters) out of the reach of children and pets.
• Tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.